FIFA has appointed Moroccan referee Jalal Jiyed to officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E match between Germany and Curacao, scheduled for Sunday, June 14, at Houston Stadium in Texas.
The appointment represents another major achievement for Moroccan refereeing on the global stage. Jiyed will be joined by assistant referees Zakaria Brinsi and Mustapha Akarkad, forming a fully Moroccan officiating team for the highly anticipated group-stage encounter.
FIFA’s decision reflects the increasing trust placed in Moroccan match officials following years of strong performances in continental and international competitions. Moroccan referees have become regular figures in major CAF tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations and CAF Champions League, while also gaining experience in FIFA-sanctioned events.
The Germany-Curacao fixture is expected to attract significant attention during the opening phase of the tournament. Germany arrives at the 2026 World Cup as one of football’s traditional powerhouse and a contender for the title. Curacao, meanwhile, will be looking to make history and prove its competitiveness on the world’s biggest football stage after benefiting from the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup format.
The selection of an all-Moroccan officiating crew is significant because it allows referees who regularly work together to benefit from established communication and coordination. FIFA often values such continuity, particularly in high-profile tournaments where teamwork among officials is crucial.
Hard work’s fruit
Morocco’s refereeing community has enjoyed steady growth in recent years. The country has invested heavily in referee development programs, helping officials gain experience at the highest levels of African and international football. These efforts have contributed to Morocco’s emergence as one of Africa’s leading nations in football officiating.
Jiyed’s appointment is seen as further evidence of that progress. It follows a series of notable assignments for Moroccan referees in major competitions and reinforces the country’s reputation for producing officials capable of handling matches involving elite teams and high-pressure environments.
In the days leading up to the match, Jiyed and his assistants will take part in final preparations, including technical briefings, fitness assessments and VAR coordination sessions. These procedures are standard for all 2026 World Cup officials and are designed to ensure complete readiness before kickoff.
