Who is the referee for the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France on Sunday?

ByBen Southby

Updated 15/12/2022 at 20:53 GMT

FIFA have confirmed Polish referee Szymon Marciniak will take charge of the hotly anticipated World Cup final between France and Argentina on Sunday. He becomes the first Poland native to do so and will be assisted by compatriots Pawel Sokolnicki and Tomasz Listkiewicz. Marciniak has impressed in the Champions League and has already officiated games between Argentina and France in Qatar.

Szymon Marciniak has been given the responsibility of refereeing the World Cup final on Sunday between Argentina and France.

The Polish official has taken charge of two games so far in Qatar, coincidently taking charge of games including both finalists.

He reffed France’s 2-1 group stage victory over Denmark and was the man in the middle for Argentina’s last 16 win over Australia, which also ended 2-1.

Transfers

Messi could become co-owner of Inter Miami with Beckham – Paper Round

06/04/2024 at 07:10

Marciniak will be joined by fellow Poland officials Pawel Sokolnicki and Tomasz Listkiewicz as assistant referees.

The 41-year-old, appointed by legendary referee Pierluigi Collina, is the first Poland native to be given the honour of officiating the World Cup final.

Earlier this year he became the first Polish referee to take charge of a major European semi-final when he took the reins for Liverpool’s last-four triumph over Villarreal in the Champions League.

• Ferdinand: Messi will be ‘licking his lips’ at prospect of facing France
• Mbappe ‘doesn’t even lace’ peak-Messi’s boots, says Duff

He also reffed four group stage games and two in the last 16, before handling Chelsea's 3-2 quarter-final win over Real Madrid in a busy 2021/22 Champions League campaign.

English referee Anthony Taylor - who remains in Qatar - hoped he would be given the nod as a potential candidate.

'Somebody collapsed and died' - Ex-migrant workers recount awful conditions in Qatar

Fellow English ref and Premier League colleague Michael Oliver was not in the running and had already been sent home by FIFA.

Football

'The moment I feel I am no longer able to perform' - Messi hints at retirement plans

27/03/2024 at 13:24

Olympic Games Paris 2024

France boss Henry warns of 'long journey' as groups drawn for Olympic football

20/03/2024 at 23:16

Football

'I wanted to participate' - Messi defends controversial Hong Kong friendly absence

06/02/2024 at 14:05