New Delhi: The quarter-final match of FIFA World Cup 2026 in England against Norway will be officiated by experienced French referee Clément Turpin. The game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami will be Turpin’s fourth game in the tournament and the ninth World Cup game of his career. The winners of the quarterfinals will face Argentina or Switzerland in the semifinals.
Who is Clement Turpin? ?
Turpin was also the referee as England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opening game of the tournament.The 44-year-old has already worked in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and is regarded as one of the top players in Europe.In this year’s tournament, he has led England to victory over Croatia, Paraguay to every goal against Australia, and Colombia in the Round of 16 to victory over Ghana.He will be assisted by French officials Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pages. Alejandro Hernandez of Spain will be the fourth, while Jose Enrique Naranjo will be the assistant referee.
Good reputation in England
England have generally had good results under Turpin. Sunday’s game will be the ninth time he has led the Three Lions.England have won five of their last eight matches with Turpin in charge. Their only draw below that was a 0-0 result against Slovenia at UEFA Euro 2024.
Tuchel on Turpin
Although Turpin is regarded as one of the best players in Europe, he has had his fair share of controversies.In 2023, England manager Thomas Tuchel, who was the coach of Bayern Munich, criticized the French referee after the Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester City.Tuchel was unhappy after Turpin was shown five yellow cards in the first half and sent off Dayot Upamecano before VAR reversed the decision for offside.“Two things could not go with the rating – the pitch was not good and the referee, unfortunately, was Grade E. I would have given him one out of 10. He was very dangerous. It is unfathomable at this level.“He whistled for everything and everything. Everything was against us. In the end, we could not turn things around with three men against us. This is true,” said Tuchel.Despite his criticism, Turpin remains one of the most respected figures in world football. He presided over the finals of the 2021 Europa League and the 2022 UEFA Champions League and has played in several world-class competitions.He also presided over Jude Bellingham’s football match and is known for his calmness in the face of adversity as he prepares to oversee another important World Cup match for England.
