World Cup 2026: Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed appointed for Mexico vs England clash

Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed has been appointed by FIFA for the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Mexico and England, further underlining the growing recognition of Moroccan officiating on the international stage.

The match, scheduled to take place on Saturday at Mexico City Stadium, will also involve fellow Moroccan official Zakaria Brinsi, who has been selected as the reserve assistant referee.

According to FIFA’s appointments, Jayed will serve as the fourth official for the high-profile knockout encounter, while Brinsi will be part of the officiating team supporting the match officials.

The game itself will be overseen by Australian referee Alireza Faghani, with compatriots George Lakrindis and Andrew Lindsay named as assistant referees.

The latest assignment represents another significant moment for Moroccan refereeing during the tournament. FIFA’s decision to include Jayed and Brinsi in the officiating team reflects continued confidence in their abilities following previous performances at the competition.

Jayed has already played an important role during the World Cup, having taken charge as the central referee for the Round of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay. Brinsi was also part of that officiating team, further demonstrating the trust placed in the Moroccan officials.

Their involvement in another knockout-stage fixture is viewed as recognition of the standards maintained by Moroccan referees at one of football’s biggest events.

The appointment comes at a time when Moroccan football continues to enjoy increasing visibility on the global stage, both on and off the pitch.

While the focus remains on the players competing for a place in the quarter-finals, the selection of Jayed and Brinsi highlights the contribution of Moroccan match officials to the tournament.

For the two referees, the assignment offers another opportunity to participate in a major World Cup fixture and continue building their international reputations under FIFA’s supervision.

As Mexico and England prepare for a decisive Round of 16 encounter, Moroccan officiating will once again be represented at the highest level of world football, reinforcing the country’s growing influence within international refereeing circles and major FIFA competitions.