Szymon Marciniak gets UEFA course invite after World Cup exclusion

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak officiated only two group‑stage matches – Argentina vs Algeria and Iran vs Egypt – at the 2026 FIFA World Cup staged in the United States, Mexico and Canada. He was not selected for any knockout‑phase games, a decision that drew criticism in Polish media.

Despite the limited World Cup role, UEFA has invited Marciniak to its September elite referee course for top European officials, a sign that the governing body still values his expertise and may consider him for future high‑profile matches. Former player and PZPN vice‑president Zbigniew Boniek commented that the Polish criticism of the referee appointments has “made us enemies”, while Marciniak accepted the FIFA refereeing committee’s choices.

The invitation indicates that Marciniak’s career at the international level remains active, with potential offers from clubs and federations abroad, and underscores the ongoing debate over referee selections for major tournaments.