The FIFA has appointed Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev to officiate the match between Morocco and Scotland, which is part of the second day of Group C in the 2026 World Cup.
This name is not unfamiliar to Moroccan supporters. The 42-year-old official had previously encountered the Atlas Lions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in the semi-final match against Spain.
This match was marked by an unusual incident. After just fifteen minutes of play, Ilgiz Tantashev was forced to leave the field due to an injury sustained during an accidental clash with Spanish defender Marc Pubill. Unable to continue the match, the Uzbek referee was then replaced by the fourth official, Swedish Glenn Nyberg.
Nearly two years later, Tantashev is back with a Moroccan selection on the international stage. This time, he will be tasked with officiating an important match for Mohamed Ouahbi’s men, who are coming off a promising draw against Brazil (1-1) and hope to secure their first victory in the competition.
A FIFA referee since 2013, Ilgiz Tantashev is among the most experienced officials on the Asian continent. His appointment for this fixture between Morocco and Scotland confirms the trust that international bodies place in him for major events.
