The French refereeing delegation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has expanded significantly with the announcement that Willy Delajod has been selected for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties. This selection, confirmed by FIFA's Referees' Commission, brings the total number of French officials traveling to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to eight.
The announcement was made during a media event organized by the French Football Federation's refereeing department at their Clairefontaine headquarters. Antony Gautier, the head of the French refereeing body, expressed particular pride in the decision, noting it as a testament to the quality and depth of French officiating talent on the world stage.
Delajod, at 33 years old, represents the next generation of elite French referees. His appointment to the VAR role for a World Cup is a significant career milestone. He will be working alongside compatriot Jérôme Brisard, who was previously confirmed for the same video review position. This dual French presence in the VAR booth underscores FIFA's confidence in the technical and analytical skills of French officials in managing the complex technology-assisted aspects of the modern game.
The French contingent is not limited to the video room. The core on-field officiating team is anchored by two highly experienced center referees: François Letexier and Clément Turpin. Both are established figures in European football, regularly taking charge of high-profile matches in UEFA competitions. Their selection for World Cup duty is a recognition of their consistent performance at the highest level.
Each center referee will be supported by their regular team of assistant referees. François Letexier will work with assistants Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni. Clément Turpin's team includes Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pagès. This continuity is crucial, as the understanding and默契 between a referee and his assistants are built over years of working together, allowing for seamless communication and decision-making during the fast-paced action of a World Cup match.
The composition of this group highlights a strategic approach by FIFA. The inclusion of two dedicated VAR specialists, Brisard and Delajod, alongside the four on-field officials and their four assistants, creates a comprehensive and cohesive French unit. This structure ensures that French officiating philosophy and standards are represented across all facets of match control, from the pitch to the replay screens.
For French football, this mass representation is a point of considerable prestige. It reflects the investment in referee development and the high standards maintained by the national federation. Having eight officials at the pinnacle of the sport serves as an inspiration for young referees in France and validates the pathways established for their professional growth.
The 2026 World Cup, the first to be hosted across three nations, will be a monumental event. The officiating teams will face unique logistical and competitive challenges. The presence of a strong, familiar French group could provide a layer of stability and mutual support within the broader international refereeing corps assigned to the tournament.
Willy Delajod's journey to this appointment has been one of steady progression through the ranks of French and European football. His selection for the World Cup VAR role places him among the elite officials tasked with ensuring the fairness and accuracy of decisions in the sport's most-watched competition. He joins a lineage of French referees who have left their mark on previous World Cups.
The final tally of eight French officials is a clear indicator of the nation's standing in the global refereeing community. As the tournament approaches, the focus will now turn to their preparation and integration into FIFA's overall officiating plan for the summer of 2026. Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.