🔥 Trending Who is Alireza Faghani? The Referee in the World Cup

Alireza Faghani is a prominent Australian and formerly Iranian international football referee, who has been on FIFA's international referees list since 2008 ². He is currently in the spotlight as he has been appointed to officiate the Round of 16 match between England and Mexico at the 2026 World Cup ¹³⁷⁸.

Early Life and Career

Born on March 21, 1978, Faghani began his career as a football player before transitioning to refereeing ². He quickly rose through the ranks, earning his FIFA international badge in 2008 ².

World Cup Appearances

Faghani is a highly experienced official, having officiated in multiple World Cups. The 2026 World Cup marks his fourth appearance at the tournament, a significant achievement for any referee ⁵. His first World Cup assignment was in 2018, indicating FIFA's long-standing trust in his abilities ⁴. He has been described as one of the most recognized Iranian figures on the global football stage, despite having departed from Iranian football ⁵.

Notable Matches and Controversies

Throughout his career, Faghani has been assigned to several high-profile matches, including the 2015 AFC Asian Cup Final and the 2016 Olympic Games final. His appointment for the England vs. Mexico match has drawn attention, partly due to some "bizarre" or "eyebrow-raising" calls he has made in previous matches, which even baffled top officials ⁶⁷. One particular decision during an earlier match in the 2026 World Cup was labeled as "one of the worst decisions" by some ⁷.

Despite these occasional controversies, Faghani's consistent selection for major international tournaments underscores his standing as a trusted and experienced referee within FIFA ⁴.