World Cup 2026: Paraguayan referee Juan Benitez appointed for Ivory Coast-Germany clash

Paraguayan referee Juan Gabriel Benitez has been appointed to officiate the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E encounter between Ivory Coast and Germany on Friday, June 20.

The Elephants will be aiming to build on their positive start to the tournament when they face one of the competition’s traditional powerhouses at Toronto Stadium.

For what is expected to be a fiercely contested Matchday 2 fixture, FIFA has entrusted an experienced Paraguayan officiating team to oversee proceedings.

Benitez will take charge as the centre referee and will be responsible for all key decisions throughout the match. He will be assisted by fellow Paraguayans Eduardo Cardozo and Milciades Saldivar, who have been appointed as assistant referees.

The appointment comes as both teams prepare for a crucial encounter that could have significant implications for qualification from Group E.

Ivory Coast enter the match full of confidence after opening their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador. The result placed the West Africans in a strong position ahead of their showdown with Germany.

Germany, meanwhile, produced one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far, thrashing Curacao 7-1 in their opening fixture to underline their credentials as serious contenders for the World Cup title.

With both sides seeking another positive result, the clash promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the second round of group-stage matches.

The Elephants will look to their blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership as they attempt to upset the four-time world champions, while Germany will be eager to maintain their impressive momentum.

All eyes will also be on the officiating team led by Benitez, who will be tasked with managing a high-stakes encounter between two ambitious nations chasing a place in the knockout rounds of the tournament.