FILE PHOTO: Atletico Madrid's Sime Vrsaljko reacts as he is shown a red card by referee Clement Turpin. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

England is set to play its first FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L-match against Croatia, in what is set to be a rematch of the FIFA World Cup 2018 semifinal.

Who is the referee for England vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2026 match?

The England vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2026 match will be officiated by French referee Clement Turpin.

Turpin is one of the most experienced referees of the tournament, having made his debut in August 2006 in the French third division. The 44-year-old has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2010, and a UEFA Elite group referee since 2012. This will be Turpin’s third FIFA World Cup, taking charge of two group games in the 2018 edition, and three games in the 2022 edition. He regularly officiates Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League games.

Throughout his career, Turpin has taken charge of 672 matches, awarding 2153 yellow cards (average 3.2 per match) and 178 red cards (average 0.26 per match). Remarkably, 131 out of the 178 red cards he has awarded were straight red cards rather than second yellows.

In a 2023 Champions League quarterfinal between Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Turpin sent off Thomas Tuchel.

“The referee, unfortunately, was Grade E,” said Tuchel after that match. “I’d give him a one out of 10. He was absolutely terrible. It’s unbelievable at this level. He was whistling for everything and anything. Everything was against us.”

Full list of referee/match officials for England vs Croatia

• Referee: Clement Turpin
• Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Danos
• Assistant Referee 2: Benjamin Pages
• 4th Official: Katia Garcia
• Reserve Assistant Referee: Sandra Ramirez

Published on Jun 17, 2026