One of the best referees in Europe will be in charge of Argentina's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Egypt.
FIFA has announced that France's François Letexier will be in charge of the knockout match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The appointment puts one of UEFA's rising stars in charge of one of the biggest games in the tournament, with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.
The 37-year-old has already worked two games in the 2026 World Cup and has a wealth of experience in domestic and European football.
Who is France's François Letexier? The Main Referee for Argentina vs. Egypt
Despite being still in his 30s, Letexier is considered one of the best referees in Europe.
He became the youngest referee to have officiated a UEFA European Championship final when he took charge of the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England. He has also officiated some of the biggest UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches, making him one of FIFA's most trusted referees.
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Letexier has already managed two group-stage games in the 2026 World Cup and has received praise for his game management and discipline. It will be Letexier's third assignment of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Letexier is also famous for sending off Nicolás Tagliafico in Olympique Lyon’s defeat to Monaco in Ligue 1. This will be his first senior international match with Argentina, and he will have another milestone added to his growing résumé.
Full Referee Team for Argentina vs. Egypt
FIFA has named an all-European panel for the Round of 16 match:
- Main Referee: François Letexier (France)
- Assistant Referee 2: Cyril Mugnier (France)
- Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni (France)
- Fourth Official Espen Eskås (Norway)
- Reserve Assistant Referee: Isaak Bashevkin (Norway)
Letexier and his colleagues will be up against one of the biggest challenges of the tournament so far, as Lionel Messi leads the defending champions against an Egyptian team looking to make history.
