A number of France’s World Cup squad members have had to comment on their referee for the quarter-final clash against Morocco.
The 2018 champions face the 2022 semi-finalists in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with every detail finalised, including kits, staff, and crucially – referees.
The official will be Facundo Tello, which has caused some drama as he is Argentine, a nation France have had a heated rivalry with in recent years.
The two teams played out the 2022 final, and after racist songs on the Argentine team bus, a very heated Olympic match followed.
As such, the choice of referee has been a huge subject before facing Morocco.
Deschamps responds to France referee controversy
Asked about it, Dider Deschamps said: “I attach absolutely no value to that.
“An appointment is an appointment. We are playing against Morocco, not against the referee. Let’s talk about the match.”
The subject also quickly came up at player press conferences where Robin Risser and Dayot Upamecano faced the media.
“I’m not going to focus on who the referee will be,” Upamecano said.
“We’ve never done that before, let’s focus on Morocco. What we want is to win this match, that’s the most important thing.”
Risser added: “We can’t fall into paranoia. There’s been a certain bitterness (between the French and Argentinians) for some years now, since the last final, but that’s part of the game.
“If these referees are here, it’s because they’re up to the task.”
Tello’s World Cup record
Tello has already officiated two 2026 World Cup matches, Canada 1-1 Bosnia and South Africa 1-0 South Korea.
He’s also one of Argentina’s most experienced referees, having officiated matches in the Copa Libertadores, Club World Cup, Argentine Championship, and South American World Cup Qualifiers.
Deschamps press conference saw him handle a number of issues diplomatically, including a question about France’s 2-0 World Cup win over Morocco last time around.
“That means nothing to me either,” said Deschamps.
“This is an entirely new match, in which Morocco now has more experience on the biggest stage than back then.
“They have a fantastic team. I don’t expect a match like the one against Paraguay at all; Morocco has very different players and a different style of play. It promises to be a great match.”
Finally, he commented on the rejection of an appeal for Michael Olise’s yellow card to be overturned.
“We received notification from FIFA this morning that the decision stands,” he responded.
“That is what it is. We are now focusing on the match.”
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