World Cup 2026: Juan Gabriel Benítez appointed referee for Germany vs Ivory Coast clash

Paraguayan referee Juan Gabriel Benítez will take charge of the World Cup 2026 Group E meeting between Germany and Ivory Coast, with FIFA selecting him to oversee the important fixture in Toronto.

The match, scheduled for Saturday at 20:00, will see Benítez lead his first game as the main referee at the final tournament after previously serving as a fourth official during the opening round of matches.

The appointment represents a major step for the 44-year-old official, who becomes the latest Paraguayan referee to take charge of a World Cup match.

He follows in the footsteps of Enrique Cáceres, Eduardo Cardozo and Juan Zorrilla, the last Paraguayan refereeing team to officiate at the tournament during the 2018 edition in Russia.

Benítez will now carry the responsibility of managing a high-pressure encounter between Germany and Ivory Coast, two teams competing for valuable points in Group E.

The Paraguayan referee will be supported by fellow countrymen Eduardo Cardozo and Milciades Saldívar, who have been appointed as assistant referees.

FIFA is relying on the trio’s experience and understanding of each other to help ensure smooth communication throughout the match.

Their familiarity is expected to be important in managing the physical battles and fast transitions likely to take place between Germany and the Elephants.

The officiating team will also include Saudi Arabian officials. Khalid Alturais has been named as the fourth official, while Mohammed Alabakry will serve as the reserve assistant referee.

The combination of South American and Asian officials will provide an international presence for a match where every decision could have a significant impact on the race for qualification.

For Benítez, the fixture marks an opportunity to demonstrate his ability on football’s biggest stage after progressing from his role as a supporting official to leading a World Cup match.

With Germany and Ivory Coast both aiming to strengthen their position in Group E, the Paraguayan referee’s role will be to ensure the Laws of the Game are followed from the opening whistle until the final moments of the contest.