FIFA has appointed an all-Argentine officiating team to oversee Thursday’s FIFA World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The match will be officiated by referee Facundo Tello, alongside four fellow Argentine officials, marking the first time in the tournament that all five on-field match officials have come from the same country.
The appointment has generated discussion among football fans, given the recent history between France and Argentina. France, the defending world champions, will be aiming to continue their title defence after losing the 2022 World Cup final to Argentina in a penalty shootout.
Morocco, meanwhile, are looking to build on their historic run as Africa’s last remaining representative after reaching the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup.
Some supporters have pointed out that Tello also officiated Morocco’s quarterfinal victory over Portugal at the 2022 tournament, while others referenced France’s recent match officiated by a predominantly French crew. Despite the debate, the Argentine officials have so far overseen their matches without major controversy during the competition.
The quarterfinal promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament as France seek another deep World Cup run and Morocco attempt to make more history for African football.
