FIFA Replaces Referee for Ecuador's World Cup 2026 Debut Match

FIFA announced a last-minute change to the officiating team for Ecuador's opening match in the 2026 World Cup. The English referee Michael Oliver has been replaced by Frenchman François Letexier due to a minor injury. Oliver is expected to be available for future matches in the tournament.

Letexier, accompanied by his compatriots Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni as assistant referees, will oversee the game between Ecuador and Ivory Coast on Sunday, June 14. Saudi officials Khalid Al-Turais and Mohammed Al-Abakry will serve as the fourth and reserve assistant referees, respectively.

Considered one of Europe's most promising referees, Letexier has been on the FIFA list since 2017 and holds UEFA's Elite category status. He made his Ligue 1 debut at 28, becoming the youngest referee in France's top flight. His international career began in 2018, and he has since officiated in significant tournaments like the European Championship and the Champions League. Notably, he recently refereed the UEFA Europa League final between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa.

Letexier's career statistics include 400 official matches, during which he has issued 1,505 yellow cards, 69 direct red cards, and awarded 120 penalties. His average of 3.76 yellow cards, 0.17 red cards, and 0.30 penalties per game indicates a referee focused on maintaining disciplinary control.

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Due to a minor injury, the referee Michael Oliver (England) has been replaced by François Letexier (France). Oliver is expected to be available for future designations during the tournament.