FIFA Bars English Referees From Argentina Matches Over 1982 Falklands War

FIFA confirmed that English referees Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver cannot take charge of any Argentina matches at the 2026 World Cup because of the 1982 Falklands War. The Independent reported that the restriction also extends to games with direct next-match consequences for Argentina.

An all-Argentine official line-up oversaw France's 2-0 quarter-final victory against Morocco on Thursday evening.

The Independent reported that the appointment stood even though Argentina could meet France in the final. The FIFA Referees Committee, chaired by Pierluigi Collina, monitors referee performance over multiple years and pairs each referee with two assistants. Referees are barred from officiating their home country and from matches that could directly affect their nation's path.

The Independent reported that an English referee would also be kept from a game such as Argentina versus Switzerland this weekend because the winner could face England in the semi-finals. England and Argentina occupy the same half of the draw. A FIFA spokesperson told The Independent that the 1982 conflict remains a factor in appointments, though conflicts dating to World War II do not trigger similar restrictions.

An American official would likewise be kept from an Iran match because of ongoing tensions between the two countries. Michael Oliver refereed the Spain versus Belgium quarter-final in Los Angeles, his seventh match of the tournament. The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled for MetLife Stadium on July 19.

Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo officiated England's 2006 World Cup quarter-final loss to Portugal, an earlier exception to the current guidance.