Who is Alireza Faghani, the referee for Mexico vs England in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup?

FIFA has confirmed that Alireza Faghani will officiate the Round of 16 match between Mexico and England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will be played on 5 July at 6:00 p.m. local time.

In addition to the advantage of playing in Mexico City, with its high altitude and passionate home support, the appointment of Faghani also brings back fond memories for El Tri because of a historic precedent.

Faghani was the referee for Mexico’s unforgettable 1-0 victory over Germany in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, a match widely regarded as one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.

On that afternoon, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano scored the winning goal against a German side led by Manuel Neuer, producing a result that remains etched in the memory of Mexican supporters.

The Australian referee of Iranian origin is regarded as one of the most experienced officials in world football. He has worked at four FIFA World Cups, in addition to officiating an Olympic final and two FIFA Club World Cup finals.

Born in Kashmar, Iran, Alireza Faghani began his refereeing career in 1994 after being inspired by his father, Mohammad Faghani, who was also a professional referee. He earned his FIFA badge in 2008, allowing him to officiate some of the biggest matches in international football.

Before committing fully to refereeing, Faghani briefly played football in the youth ranks of Iranian clubs. That experience helped shape an officiating style built on constant communication with players and allowing the game to flow, qualities that have defined his career.

In 2019, he moved to Australia with his family, and since 2023 he has officially represented Football Australia in FIFA competitions. Among the most significant matches of his career are the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final, the gold medal match at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and the 2015 and 2025 FIFA Club World Cup finals.

Faghani has also officiated several of the biggest matches in World Cup history. At Russia 2018, he took charge of France’s Round of 16 victory over Argentina and the third-place play-off between Belgium and England.

At Qatar 2022, he officiated Portugal’s group-stage match against Uruguay. At the 2026 World Cup, he has already overseen France vs Senegal and Colombia vs Portugal, the latter drawing controversy after Dávinson Sánchez had a goal disallowed.

In addition to Mexico’s famous victory over Germany in 2018, Faghani also officiated the 2-2 draw between Mexico and Germany at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. He showed four yellow cards, two to each team, before later being selected to referee the Olympic final between Brazil and Germany.

At club level, Faghani is also familiar with Liga MX teams. At the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup, he officiated Monterrey’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Raja Casablanca.

Two years later, at the 2015 edition of the tournament, he took charge of Club América’s 2-1 victory over TP Mazembe in the fifth-place match, further adding to his history with Mexican football before once again crossing paths with the Mexico national team in another match of major significance.

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