FIFA has confirmed that Moroccan referee Jalal Jiyed will officiate the Group H match between Portugal and Uzbekistan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match is scheduled for June 25, 2026, at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Jiyed, 40, is one of several African referees selected for the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Jiyed previously officiated the Germany vs. Curaçao match on June 18, 2026, also a Group H fixture. His appointment to a second match in the group stage reflects FIFA's confidence in his performance. The Moroccan referee has been a FIFA-listed official since 2015 and has experience in African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.
The Portugal-Uzbekistan match is expected to be crucial for both teams' chances of advancing to the knockout stage. Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, is considered a favorite, while Uzbekistan is making its first World Cup appearance. Jiyed will be assisted by fellow Moroccans Lahcen Azgaou and Mustapha Akerkad as assistant referees.
