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SportsGerman referee Felix Zwayer exits World Cup after only two games
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German referee Felix Zwayer's 2026 World Cup has ended prematurely after officiating only two group stage matches. The 45-year-old Berliner, who handled the USA vs. Australia (2-0) and DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan (3-1) games, has already left the referees' quarters in America. DFB referee instructor Lutz Wagner expressed disappointment, stating Zwayer deserved more assignments given his strong performances, though he did suffer a cramp during stoppage time in his first match. Wagner also criticized FIFA's scheduling as sometimes difficult to understand. Meanwhile, German video assistant referee Bastian Dankert remains in contention for the final. For the semi-finals, Iván Barton (El Salvador) will referee Spain vs. France, and Ismail Elfath (USA) will handle England vs. Argentina. According to reports, 13 referees are still in the country, with Alireza Faghani (Australia) a top candidate for the final if Argentina reaches it, or Slavko Vincic (Slovenia) or Szymon Marciniak (Poland) if both finalists are European.
Source report
Shortly before the end of the match between the USA and Australia, there was an unusual interruption. German referee Felix Zwayer suddenly lay on the ground and had to be treated.
For Felix Zwayer, the World Cup is over prematurely. The Berlin referee left after two strong group stage appearances. DFB referee instructor Lutz Wagner showed little understanding for FIFA's assignments.
For German football referee Felix Zwayer, the Football World Cup ended prematurely after two group stage appearances. The 45-year-old Berliner will not officiate any further games on the final weekend and has already left the referees' quarters in America, as the DFB announced upon request.
Zwayer officiated the second appearance of hosts USA against Australia (2-0) as well as the duel between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uzbekistan (3-1) at the World Cup. The German showed strong performances in both matches, but also drew attention during his first assignment in Seattle with a cramp in stoppage time.
"Felix had hoped for more than two games. In my opinion, he would have deserved them too. I think he handled his two games very well," said DFB referee instructor Lutz Wagner in a "Sportschau" interview. In his view, Berlin referee Daniel Siebert "in terms of quality, would also have belonged to this tournament. But the referee assignments were sometimes quite difficult to understand."
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Bastian Dankert has not yet left; as a video assistant referee, he can still hope for an assignment in the World Cup final on Sunday.
13 Referees Still in the Country
For the semi-final Spain vs. France on Tuesday (9:00 PM) in Arlington near Dallas, Iván Barton from El Salvador was selected as referee. Ismail Elfath from host country USA will officiate the second semi-final England vs. Argentina on Wednesday in Atlanta.
According to consistent media reports, 13 referees remain in the quarters of the world governing body FIFA. If Argentina reaches the final, referees from Europe and South America would be eliminated. The top candidate would then be Alireza Faghani, who officiates for Australia.
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If it comes to a duel between two European teams, Slovenia's Slavko Vincic or Szymon Marciniak from Poland could also be considered.
dpa/SUF
Source
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American Referee Ismail Elfath Appointed for England vs Argentina World Cup Semifinal