World Cup 2026: Moroccan Referee Jalal Jayed to Officiate Portugal vs Uzbekistan Clash

Rabat  – Jalal Jayed has received a new assignment from FIFA, as the governing body selected him to take charge of the World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Uzbekistan, happening on Tuesday, 23 June in Houston.

The decision reflects continued confidence in the Moroccan official’s work on the global stage. 

Jayed already handled a Group E fixture between Germany and Curaçao earlier in the tournament, a match that placed him in charge of a high-profile European-Caribbean encounter on the first matchday.

The Portugal-Uzbekistan game carries clear stakes for both sides. Portugal opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Uzbekistan suffered a 3-1 defeat against Colombia. 

The two teams now face pressure to secure points as the group phase progresses.

The match will take place at NRG Stadium, one of the tournament venues for this World Cup edition. Group K also features Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which adds further weight to every fixture at this stage.

Jayed’s appointment adds to the presence of Moroccan refereeing at the competition. FIFA has maintained a policy of assigning experienced officials across different confederations, a choice that gives referees from Morocco greater exposure on football’s biggest stage.