Why controversial referee François Letexier was removed from World Cup officiating duties

French referee François Letexier has been removed from the list of officials for the remaining matches of the 2026 World Cup, a decision reportedly stemming from France's progression to the semi-finals. The controversy surrounds his officiating of the Egypt-Argentina match.

According to French sports newspaper L'Équipe, Letexier's exclusion became necessary once the French national team secured their place in the semi-finals following a 2-0 victory over Morocco. FIFA regulations often prevent referees from officiating matches involving their own national teams to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Letexier had previously officiated the round of 16 match between Egypt and Argentina. Argentina emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline, a result that eliminated the Egyptian team from the tournament. Reports indicate that Letexier's decisions during this particular game sparked considerable controversy, leading to scrutiny of his performance.

The semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup are scheduled to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. The first semi-final will see Spain face France, while Argentina will play England in the second. The exclusion of Letexier adds a layer of intrigue to the tournament's officiating landscape.