The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 continues on Saturday, July 4, with France taking on Paraguay in a knockout match that will determine which nation advances to the quarterfinals.
FIFA has appointed Ilgiz Tantashev of Uzbekistan as the referee for the highly anticipated clash.
Who is the referee for France vs Paraguay?
The match official for France vs. Paraguay is Ilgiz Tantashev, one of Asia’s most experienced international referees.
Tantashev has been a FIFA-listed referee for several years and has officiated numerous high-profile matches in international competitions, including FIFA and AFC tournaments. His selection for a Round of 16 match reflects FIFA’s confidence in his experience and ability to manage one of the biggest fixtures of the tournament.
France vs Paraguay officiating crew
The complete officiating team for the Round of 16 matchup includes:
- Referee: Ilgiz Tantashev (Uzbekistan)
- Assistant Referee 1: Andrey Sapenko (Uzbekistan)
- Assistant Referee 2: Timur Gaynullin (Uzbekistan)
- Fourth Official: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar)
- Reserve Assistant Referee: Taleb Al Marri (Qatar)
The crew combines officials from Uzbekistan and Qatar, with Tantashev leading the on-field decisions during the knockout encounter.
Who is Ilgiz Tantashev?
Ilgiz Tantashev is an international referee from Uzbekistan who has established himself as one of the top officials in Asian football.
Throughout his career, he has overseen matches in major AFC competitions, FIFA tournaments, and international qualifiers. His consistent performances have earned him appointments to some of football’s biggest stages, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Refereeing at the World Cup requires officials to meet FIFA’s highest standards for fitness, consistency, and decision-making under pressure.
Why this assignment is significant
Knockout-stage matches carry enormous pressure, as a single officiating decision can influence the outcome of a team’s World Cup campaign.
With France aiming to continue its pursuit of another World Cup title and Paraguay looking to extend its impressive tournament run, Tantashev and his officiating crew will be responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game and managing one of the marquee Round of 16 fixtures.
France vs Paraguay match details
- Match: France vs. Paraguay
- Tournament: 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Round: Round of 16
- Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
- Referee: Ilgiz Tantashev (Uzbekistan)
The winner of France vs. Paraguay will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, keeping its championship hopes alive as the knockout stage intensifies.