CdM 2026: Ghorbal designated as the host country!

Algerian football continues to shine on the world stage thanks to one of its most respected representatives. The FIFA Referees Committee has officially appointed Algerian international referee Mustapha Ghorbal to officiate the match between the United States and Turkey, scheduled for June 25 at the Los Angeles Stadium, as part of the third and final day of Group D of the 2026 World Cup.

For this new assignment, Ghorbal will be accompanied by his usual Algerian assistants, Mokrane Gourari and Abbes Akram Zerhouni. The officiating team will be completed by Emirati Omar Al Ali as the fourth official, while his compatriot Mohamed Al Hammadi will serve as the substitute assistant.

This appointment represents a new vote of confidence from FIFA towards Algerian refereeing. Already selected to officiate during the match between Scotland and Haiti in the first round, Mustapha Ghorbal thus becomes one of the few African referees to officiate multiple matches in this edition of the World Cup.

The match between the United States and Turkey holds particular importance, even though the situation of both teams seems already well defined. The Americans have secured their qualification for the next round after winning their first two matches and are at the top of the group. Turkey, on the other hand, finds itself in a much more delicate position and will try to save face in this final outing.

This second appointment in a few days illustrates the recognition that the Algerian refereeing school enjoys among global bodies, an additional source of pride for national football in this 2026 World Cup.

The match officials for @FIFAWorldCup matches 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60 have been appointed.

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 22, 2026