France added another interesting chapter to the events that did not happen FIFA World Cup scores in defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals on Thursday, extending a record that has been marred by controversy surrounding the match’s referee.Even before the heated debate over FIFA’s decision to select Argentina’s squad, France went on to win six FIFA World Cup matches led by Argentine players – the most wins by any country under Argentine management in the history of the game. The figures became particularly important as the selection drew accusations of bias from some, given the ongoing dispute between France and Argentina following the 2022 World Cup final. Instead of hurting Didier Deschamps’ side, another group led by Argentina joined another victory for France.France’s 2-0 victory repeated history on the field, eliminating Morocco by the same goal for the second consecutive World Cup after beating the Atlas Lions in the semi-finals of Qatar 2022.
All the Argentine players are starting a debate before the match
A few days before the quarter-finals, FIFA confirmed that the Argentine referee Facundo Tello will be in charge of the competition, with the help of his colleagues Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade, DarÃo Herrera who works as the fourth and Christian Navarro as the assistant referee.It was the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to have all five officials from the same country.The announcement sparked immediate criticism on social media, with many fans questioning whether sending the Argentine team to the French games was justified due to the sporting rivalry between the two countries.Some supporters accused FIFA of being biased, while others described the selection as controversial. However, FIFA’s selection was based on the principles of refereeing throughout the tournament, where players and assistant referees come from the same country.Ironically, France also benefited from the French officials involved in Argentina’s Round of 16 victory against Egypt, another game that sparked a heated row between the referees.
Kylian Mbappe talks to Referee Facundo Tello, right, and assistant referees Juan Pablo Belatti, left, and Gabriel Chade. (AP/PTI photo)
France let the football do the talking
When the match started, France made sure to shift the focus from the officials to their football.He controlled the proceedings against a Moroccan team that struggled to create chances, allowing the Atlas Lions only one shot, which came in the 82nd minute after France had already established a two-goal advantage.The win sealed France’s 2-0 victory over Morocco in the 2022 semi-finals, ending North Africa’s World Cup dreams.Moving on to the other semi-final, France quietly developed one of the tournament’s most unusual rivalries.Having now won six World Cups under Argentinian referees, Les Bleus have fared more successfully with Argentine officials than any other nation in World Cup history – a remarkable turnaround considering the uncertainty surrounding Thursday’s performance.
FIFA stands firm on independence
The dispute arose out of the increasing popularity of the tournament’s leading players, particularly following Argentina’s Round-of-16 victory over Egypt.FIFA chief referee Pierluigi Collina strongly defended the integrity of match officials, rejecting claims that players could be influenced by outsiders.“Nobody can question the integrity of FIFA World Cup officials,” Collina said, adding that such accusations could cause threats to players and their families.He also rejected ideas about involvement in politics or organizations.“No one can say that the FIFA judges can influence anyone, not even the FIFA president,” said Collina, urging officials to “decide honestly” while working with independence.
