In his career, Valenzuela has taken charge of 385 matches across all competitions, issuing 1905 yellow cards (4.94 per game) and 115 red cards (0.06 per game). | Photo Credit: AFP

Australia is set to take on Türkiye in both sides’ first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be held at BC Place in Vancouver.

This will be Australia’s seventh FIFA World Cup appearance, with its most recent appearance at the 2022 edition ending in the Round of 16 at the hands of eventual champion Argentina. For Türkiye, this will be its third FIFA World Cup and first in 24 years. Its last appearance came in 2002, when it finished third.

Who is the referee for the Australia vs Türkiye FIFA World Cup 2026 match?

The Australia vs Türkiye FIFA World Cup 2026 match will be refereed by Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela.

Valenzuela has been refereeing in the Venezuelan leagues since 2007. This edition of the tournament will be his second FIFA World Cup, having taken charge of a group stage game and a Round of 16 game in the 2022 edition. The 42-year-old is a regular official in the Venezuelan first and second division, alongside the South American continental competitions, the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana.

In his career, Valenzuela has taken charge of 385 matches across all competitions, issuing 1905 yellow cards (4.94 per game) and 115 red cards (0.06 per game).

The Venezuelan referee has also refereed at three Copa Americas, taking charge of group stage matches in the 2019, 2021, and 2024 editions.

Full list of referee/match officials for Australia vs Türkiye

• Referee: Jesús Valenzuela
• Assistant Referee 1: Jorge Urrego
• Assistant Referee 2: Tulio Morenνο
• 4th Official: Kevin Ortega
• Reserve Assistant Referee: Michael Orue

Published on Jun 14, 2026