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FWC on Sport Nation guideFrance not concerned by officials named for QF clash
Carl Markham •  July 9th, 2026 4:55 pm
France players have left off-field match officials talk to their coach, focusing instead on Morocco | Photo: AP
France head coach Didier Deschamps has played down the appointment of Argentinian officials for their World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.
A repeat of the 2022 final, which France lost, remains a possibility and so when Facundo Tello was awarded this game, along with two Argentinian assistants, an Argentinian reserve assistant and an Argentinian fourth official, eyebrows were raised in some quarters.
But not by Deschamps, who said on Thursday (NZ Time): "We have to deal with it. I trust the referees. Our opponent is Morocco, not the referee."
Reserve goalkeeper Robin Risser also backed the officials.
"There's been a certain bitterness (between France and Argentina) for a few years now since the last final, but that's part of the game," he said.
"If these referees are there, it's because they're up to the level of the competition."
Argentine referee Facundo Tello has issued seven yellow cards in three games at the World Cup | Photo: AP
Refereeing performances have come under scrutiny at this summer's tournament, with French official Francois Letexier's display in the last-16 game between Argentina and Egypt criticised by the north African media.
Deschamps could not resist a jibe back at those critics, adding: "Let's hope our (officials) are as good as Monsieur Letexier was."
The France boss also insisted star striker Kylian Mbappe was unaffected by the racist abuse directed at him by Paraguayan politician Celeste Amarilla following their narrow defeat to his side.
"Kylian is in a good place mentally. He's ready for tomorrow," said Deschamps, who is expecting a much different game from the physical battle they endured against the South Americans.
"They don't have the profile of Paraguay. We will need to be very effective because this Morocco is of very high quality," he said.
"The level rises as you climb the mountain. Mindset doesn't win matches, but it can make you lose them."
1998 winning captain Didier Deschamps is on track to lead France to a second World Cup as coach | Photo: AP
France failed in their bid to have Michael Olise's yellow card against Paraguay overturned, which means should he be booked against Morocco he would be suspended for the semi-final if they were to progress.
The game is a repeat of the 2022 semi when Morocco became the first African nation to reach the last four, but saw their progress halted with the final in their sight.
But head coach Mohamed Ouahbi does not feel they have to avenge that 2-0 defeat in Qatar.
"Whoever the opponent is, our goal remains the same: to reach the semi-finals. So, we will focus on ourselves," he said.
"There is no revenge. We only want to continue our journey."
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