World Cup 2022 Final Referee Appointed for Argentina’s Opening Match in 2026. Szymon Marciniak, who officiated the 2022 World Cup final, will referee Argentina’s debut match against Algeria. His past decisions have already impacted major tournaments. This time, he will be under particular scrutiny.
Polish referee Szymon Marciniak will once again be in the spotlight at the start of the 2026 World Cup. He has been appointed as the chief referee for Argentina's opening match against Algeria, which will take place on June 17. For the Argentine team, this is more than just the start of the tournament—Marciniak has already played a key role in their history when he officiated the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, where the Albiceleste won their third title and Lionel Messi lifted the main trophy for the first time.
Marciniak's officiating team this time includes his compatriots Tomasz Listkiewicz and Adam Kupsik, as well as Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh and Isaac Trevis. In the 2022 final, Marciniak handed out eight yellow cards—five to Argentina and three to France. He also awarded three penalties: two for France, both converted by Mbappé, and one for Argentina, which was scored by Messi.
Marciniak's assignment to the Argentina match draws attention not only because of his past experience but also because, a year after the Qatar final, he officiated the Champions League final between Inter and Manchester City, where Pep Guardiola's team claimed a slim victory. Such a track record makes him one of the most prominent referees in recent years.
Attention to referees at major tournaments is traditionally high, especially when it comes to matches involving the favorites. Recalling how coaches and players react to referee decisions, it is worth noting that such appointments have previously been a topic of discussion. For example, when Argentine specialist Martín Anselmi first took over a Spanish club, it also sparked a wave of interest — more details can be found in the article about Anselmi's appointment at Elche.
For reference: Szymon Marciniak is considered one of the most experienced European referees. His career includes working at the largest international tournaments, as well as regular assignments to decisive Champions League and national championship matches. In 2026, the World Cup will, for the first time, be held in three countries — the USA, Canada, and Mexico — adding organizational challenges for the refereeing team as well. Argentina, as the reigning champion, traditionally attracts increased attention, and any contentious decisions in its matches can become the subject of discussion in global media.
