FIFA appoints Anthony Taylor to referee Iraq-Senegal World Cup match in Toronto

FIFA named English referee Anthony Taylor to officiate the Iraq-Senegal match in the third week of the 2026 World Cup group stage, with England's Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn appointed as assistant referees. Saudi Arabia's Khalid Al-Turays was named fourth official, with Mohammed Al-Abkari serving as reserve assistant referee. The match is scheduled for June 26 in Toronto and will be the final group-stage game for both teams. The fixture carries decisive weight in determining which side advances from the group. FIFA confirmed the full officiating crew in its latest assignment announcement. The selection places English Football Association officials in charge of a decisive World Cup fixture, continuing FIFA's practice of deploying referees from different federations for high-stakes matches.