Clément Turpin to Officiate England vs Croatia at 2026 World Cup
French referee Clément Turpin, named world's best referee in 2025, has been appointed to officiate England vs Croatia in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The match revives tension with England manager Thomas Tuchel, who previously criticized Turpin after a 2023 Champions League clash. Turpin, on his third World Cup, will be assisted by French officials Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pagès. Fellow French referee François Letexier was also selected for the tournament.
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Tuchel Unconcerned About Reunion with Referee Turpin
England manager Thomas Tuchel has dismissed concerns ahead of his reunion with French referee Clément Turpin, who will officiate the match between England and Croatia in Arlington, Texas. The two previously clashed during a Champions League match between Manchester City and Tuchel's Bayern Munich in April 2023, when Turpin sent Tuchel off. Tuchel acknowledged Turpin as a high-level referee, stating that Turpin was unhappy with his behavior and that he himself was unsatisfied with Turpin's performance. The article, published on June 17, 2026, highlights Tuchel's lack of worry about the upcoming encounter.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuReferee Clément Turpin, who angered Thomas Tuchel, to officiate England's World Cup debut against Croatia
England begins its World Cup journey on Wednesday against Croatia in Group L. The match will be officiated by French referee Clément Turpin, reigniting an old confrontation with England's German coach Thomas Tuchel. The conflict dates back to April 2023, when Tuchel, then coaching Bayern Munich, was sent off by Turpin during a Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City. Tuchel harshly criticized Turpin's performance, giving him a grade of 6 (the worst in Germany). However, in a pre-match press conference, Tuchel downplayed the incident, calling Turpin a 'top-class referee' and expressing confidence in his officiating. England's group also includes Ghana and Panama.
FútbolTuchel Clarifies Relationship with Referee Turpin Ahead of England-Croatia World Cup Match
England manager Thomas Tuchel has downplayed concerns about facing French referee Clément Turpin in England's opening 2026 World Cup Group L match against Croatia. The reunion comes three years after Tuchel harshly criticized Turpin following a Champions League match in April 2023, when Tuchel was coaching Bayern Munich against Manchester City. After being sent off during that match, Tuchel called Turpin's performance the worst possible grade in Germany. However, during a press conference ahead of the World Cup match, Tuchel stated that Turpin is a 'very high-level referee' and dismissed any ongoing dispute. He attributed his past comments to the high emotions of a crucial Champions League match and expressed confidence in Turpin's officiating for the upcoming game.
Home Football - actualitésEngland get referee who left Thomas Tuchel fuming for World Cup opener v Croatia
French referee Clément Turpin has been appointed to officiate England's 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia. Turpin, a highly-regarded official handling his third World Cup, has previous controversial encounters with England players and manager Thomas Tuchel. In a 2024 Champions League semi-final, Turpin physically moved Jude Bellingham away from Harry Kane before a penalty. Turpin also dismissed Tuchel in April 2023 during a Bayern Munich vs Manchester City match, leading Tuchel to rate the referee 1/10 and call his performance 'absolutely terrible.' The article notes that English referee Anthony Taylor will officiate Uzbekistan's opening match against Colombia.
Mirror - FootballWorld Cup 2026: Clément Turpin to Referee England-Croatia Clash
French referee Clément Turpin, aged 44 and named the best referee in the world in 2025, has been appointed by FIFA to officiate the Group L match between England and Croatia at the 2026 World Cup. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 PM. This will be Turpin's third World Cup finals appearance and his sixth match in the competition. He has previously officiated both teams five times each. Turpin will be assisted by French assistants Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pagès, with Mexican Katia Garcia serving as the fourth official. The article notes that Turpin follows fellow French referee François Letexier in making his World Cup debut.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertClément Turpin to Referee England vs. Croatia at 2026 World Cup
FIFA has appointed French referee Clément Turpin to officiate the Group L match between England and Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for Wednesday at 10 PM French time. This will be Turpin's first match of the tournament and his third World Cup appearance, following the 2018 and 2022 editions. The 44-year-old, who was voted the best referee in the world in 2025, has been an international referee since 2009. He has previously officiated England five times and Croatia five times in his career. Turpin will be assisted by his usual French assistants Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pagès, with Mexican Katia Garcia serving as the fourth official. The match is highly anticipated as a key Group L clash.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuClément Turpin and François Letexier Named French Referees for 2026 World Cup
French referees Clément Turpin and François Letexier have been selected as central referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Turpin, named the world's best referee in 2025, will be competing in his third World Cup, equaling Joël Quiniou's record for most World Cup appearances by a French referee. He has officiated high-pressure matches including a Champions League final and multiple European semi-finals. Letexier, the world's best referee in 2024, will experience his first World Cup after officiating the Euro 2024 final and the 2026 Europa League final. Additionally, French VAR referees Jérôme Brisard and Willy Delajod will participate in the tournament. Both referees expressed confidence and readiness, with Turpin describing himself as more natural and accomplished than in previous tournaments.
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