World Cup 2026: Jalal Jayed to officiate Portugal vs Uzbekistan

Moroccan referee steps onto the pitch for the second time this tournament

Africa 20 June 2026 at 17:12

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World Cup 2026: Jalal Jayed to officiate Portugal vs Uzbekistan

23.06.26 FT World Cup

Portugal

Uzbekistan

FIFA has selected Jalal Jayed to officiate the Portugal vs Uzbekistan clash, part of the second round of Group E in the World Cup. The match will be held on June 23 at NRG Stadium in Houston.

In the opening round, Jalal Jayed had already taken charge of the Germany vs Uzbekistan fixture. This marks a new assignment for the Moroccan referee, who will be assisted by Zakaria Brinsi and Mostafa Akarkad. South Africans Abongile Tom and Zakhele Siwela will serve as fourth official and reserve assistant referee, respectively.

⚽️ World Cup referee appointments:

Group K:
🇵🇹 Portugal vs Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
Referee: Jalal Jayed 🇲🇦

First match in WC26:
0🟨
0🟥
29 fouls

Group K:
🇨🇴 Colombia vs DR Congo 🇨🇩
Referee: Maurizio Mariani 🇮🇹

First match in WC26:
1🟨
0🟥
17 fouls pic.twitter.com/WTV7N5sSHF
— Matthew Kirby (@m_kirby95) June 20, 2026

This encounter will be crucial for both teams. Portugal managed only a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, while Uzbekistan succumbed to Colombia’s firepower with a 1-3 defeat. Both sides will need a strong response to keep their tournament hopes alive.