Polish referee Szymon Marciniak to officiate Argentina‑Algeria match at World Cup 2026

FIFA announced that Szymon Marciniak will be the referee for the opening game of defending champions Argentina against Algeria on 17 June 2026 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Former international referee Rafał Rostkowski criticised the appointment, calling it “completely unnecessary” and arguing that a referee should not be linked to a single team.

The assignment has also sparked debate about whether Marciniak could again referee a World Cup final. Experts cited FIFA policy that rarely allows the same official to lead two finals in a row. Former Polish FA president Michał Listkiewicz said “FIFA has its policy; assigning a referee to two finals in a row does not happen.” Marciniak himself admitted that a second final would be “almost impossible,” noting he had asked UEFA to spare him from a semifinal to focus on the tournament and that he has been dealing with recent injuries. Collina previously praised his performance after the 2022 final.