World Cup 2026: Upamecano and Risser back Deschamps over Argentina referee concerns before Morocco clash

France defender Dayot Upamecano and goalkeeper Robin Risser have echoed head coach Didier Deschamps by dismissing concerns over FIFA’s decision to appoint an all-Argentine refereeing team for Les Bleus’ 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.

FIFA’s appointment marks the first time at this year’s World Cup that every match official comes from the same country, with Argentine referee Facundo Tello leading an all-Argentine crew for the highly anticipated clash in Boston. The decision has sparked debate given the recent rivalry between France and Argentina, but the French camp insists its focus remains solely on Morocco.

Speaking ahead of the quarter-final, Bayern Munich defender Upamecano made it clear that France will not allow the referee appointment to become a distraction.

“I’m not going to focus on who the referee will be. We’ve never done that before, we’re going to focus on Morocco.”

Third-choice goalkeeper Robin Risser shared the same view, urging calm despite the history between France and Argentina following the 2022 World Cup final.

“Since the last final between our countries, there’s been a certain bitterness, but that’s part of football. If these referees have been appointed for a match like this, it’s because they are good enough for this tournament.”

Their comments reinforce the stance already taken by Deschamps, who dismissed suggestions that France should be concerned about the nationality of the officials.

“No. You may ask yourselves those questions, but I don’t pay attention to that. I hope the referee is as good as Mr. Letexier and his assistants were in the other match. My opponent is Morocco, not the referee. On the contrary, he’s there to apply the laws of the game as fairly as possible.”

France head into the quarter-finals in outstanding form. Les Bleus topped their group with a perfect record before producing a convincing 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32. They then overcame a stubborn Paraguay side 1-0 in the Round of 16, with Kylian Mbappe converting the decisive penalty to book their place in the last eight.

Mbappe continues to spearhead one of the tournament’s most potent attacks. The Real Madrid forward has scored seven goals, placing him firmly among the leading contenders for the World Cup Golden Boot heading into the quarter-finals. Alongside him, Bayern Munich playmaker Michael Olise has emerged as the competition’s leading creator with five assists, providing the spark behind France’s fluid attacking football.

France now face arguably their toughest test of the tournament against an impressive Morocco side that eliminated the Netherlands and Canada to reach the quarter-finals.