World Cup 2026: Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed to take charge of Germany-Paraguay Round 32 clash

Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed has been officially appointed by FIFA to officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter between Germany and Paraguay, scheduled for Monday in Boston.

The appointment marks a significant moment for Moroccan officiating on the global stage, with Jayed entrusted to oversee one of the more high-profile knockout fixtures of the tournament as both European and South American heavyweight’s battle for a place in the Round of 16.

Jayed will not work alone, as FIFA has also selected a fully Moroccan assistant refereeing team for the match. He will be supported by assistant referees Zakaria Brinsi and Akarkad Mostafa, forming an all-Moroccan officiating trio for the crucial encounter.

The match officials list further includes Chinese referee Ma Ning as the fourth official, while Zhou Fei has been appointed as the reserve assistant referee.

The Germany vs Paraguay fixture is expected to be a tightly contested knockout battle, with both nations aiming to continue their World Cup campaign in North America. Germany arrive with strong tournament pedigree and attacking depth, while Paraguay bring resilience and tactical discipline that has often troubled higher-ranked opponents.

Jayed’s appointment reflects FIFA’s continued confidence in Moroccan referees, who have increasingly featured in major international competitions due to their consistency, discipline, and strong match control. Being assigned to a Round of 32 fixture involving a team like Germany is seen as a strong vote of confidence in his ability to manage high-pressure matches at the highest level.

For Morocco, the selection also highlights the country’s growing influence in world football beyond just the playing field, with referees, coaches, and players all making their mark at the 2026 tournament.

All eyes will now turn to Boston as Germany and Paraguay prepare for what promises to be an intense knockout showdown under the supervision of the Moroccan-led officiating team.