Anthony Taylor refereed the 2017 and 2020 FA Cup finals, which made him the first referee since 1901 to take charge of two FA Cup finals. | Photo Credit: Reuters

World Cup debutant Uzbekistan is set to take on Colombia in both sides’ first FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match.

This will be Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup appearance as an independent nation, having been part of the Soviet Union until 1990. Remarkably, the Uzbeks are the only team with a Ballon d’Or-winning manager, with Italy great Fabio Cannavaro in its dugout.

Colombia will be playing its seventh FIFA World Cup, with its last appearance coming in the 2018 edition. Its best finish came in 2014, reaching the quarterfinal where it losing to Brazil.

Who is the referee for Uzbekistan vs Colombia FIFA World Cup 2026 match?

The Uzbekistan vs Colombia FIFA World Cup 2026 match will be officiated by English referee Anthony Taylor.

Taylor officiated his first career match in the English fifth division in September 2005, which was the only match he took charge of during that season. He became more regular in the English lower divisions the next season. The 47-year-old has been a FIFA-listed international referee since 2013. This will be Taylor’s second FIFA World Cup, having taken charge of two group stage matches in the 2022 edition. He is a regular official in the Premier League.

Taylor has refereed 836 games so far in his career, issuing 2944 yellow cards (average 3.52 per match) and 151 red cards (average 0.18 per match).

Taylor also refereed the UEFA Europa League 22/23 final, where Sevilla defeated Roma 5-2 on penalties. Taylor’s performance in the game drew criticism from then-Roma manager Jose Mourinho, who allegedly met him in the stadium car park and called him a “disgrace”. He has also refereed the 2017 and 2020 FA Cup finals, which made him the first referee since 1901 to take charge of two FA Cup finals.

Full list of referee/match officials for Colombia vs Uzbekistan

• Referee: Anthony Taylor
• Assistant Referee 1: Gary Beswick
• Assistant Referee 2: Adam Nunn
• 4th Official: Juan Calderon
• Reserve Assistant Referee: Juan Carlos Mora

Published on Jun 17, 2026