Alireza Faghani will officiate one of the most eagerly awaited matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA has chosen the experienced Australian referee for the France vs Senegal group stage game, set to take place on June 16, 2026, in New York New Jersey Stadium.
Choosing Faghani for this match is significant as it marks a milestone. He becomes the first referee in men's World Cup history to officiate matches in four different tournaments, having previously been involved in 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions.
#Who else will be officiating?
Faghani will not be alone in his responsibilities on the field. He will be joined by his fellow Australian referees: George Lakrindis and James Lindsay will serve as assistant referees, while Shaun Evans takes charge of VAR duties.
Faghani’s impressive track record supports this selection. Notably, during the 2018 tournament in Russia, he officiated a thrilling round-of-16 match between France and Argentina, which concluded with a dramatic score of 4-3 and is remembered as one of the standout games in recent World Cup history.
#What makes this World Cup unique?
The 2026 World Cup is distinct as it expands the tournament from the previous 32 teams to 48 teams. This will be the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it a significant event in the history of this global sporting competition.
FIFA's commitment to VAR technology is a key feature of the 2026 tournament. This system, which was fully introduced in 2018, is designed to enhance refereeing accuracy. Faghani’s extensive experience with VAR in several tournaments, including the Asian Cup and A-League in Australia, positions him well to utilize this technology effectively.