France head coach Didier Deschamps refused to turn the appointment of an all-Argentine refereeing unit for his side’s 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final into a controversy.
Argentinian Facundo Tello will play the last eight on Thursday, along with four of his compatriots in support. A rivalry between France and Argentina grew from their 2022 World Cup final, which the latter won on penalties.
It is the first time in this World Cup edition that a match has exclusive match officials from one country
«I can’t do anything about referee appointments. I just try to have confidence in the referees,» Deschamps said.
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French official François Letexier was in charge of Argentina’s 3-2 win over Egypt in the last 16 on Tuesday. The Egyptian Football Association said it had filed a complaint after some controversial decisions in that match.
“I hope that Mr Tello and his assistants will be as good as Mr Letexier and his assistants,” Deschamps said.
«There are always decisions that can lead to discussion depending on which side you are on, but our opponents are Morocco. I cannot consider the referee as an opponent.»
With input from AFP
Published on July 9, 2026
