FC Porto and Manchester City meet in the UEFA Champions League today, with experienced Polish referee Szymon Marciniak selected to take charge of the matchup.
Porto hosts Manchester City at the Estádio do Dragão on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CEST.
So, who is the referee for Porto vs. Manchester City?
Szymon Marciniak of Poland is the referee for Porto vs. Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Marciniak is one of Europe’s most experienced officials and has handled some of the biggest matches in international and club soccer.
Here is everything you need to know about the Porto vs. Manchester City referee and match officials.
Porto vs. Manchester City Referee
Szymon Marciniak will referee Porto vs. Manchester City today at the Estádio do Dragão.
| Porto vs. Manchester City Officials | Details |
|---|---|
| Referee | Szymon Marciniak (Poland) |
| Assistant Referee | Tomasz Listkiewicz (Poland) |
| VAR | Pol van Boekel (Netherlands) |
| Assistant VAR | Dennis Higler (Netherlands) |
Marciniak’s appointment brings considerable experience to one of the standout matches on Tuesday’s Champions League schedule.
Who Is Szymon Marciniak?
Szymon Marciniak is a Polish football referee who regularly officiates major UEFA and international matches.
Marciniak has built a reputation as one of Europe’s leading referees and has been selected for numerous high-profile assignments throughout his career.
His experience includes Champions League knockout matches, major international tournaments and some of the biggest finals in world soccer.
Marciniak notably refereed the 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France and the 2023 UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan.
That Champions League final saw Manchester City defeat Inter 1-0 to capture the club’s first European Cup title.
Has Szymon Marciniak Refereed Manchester City Before?
Yes. Szymon Marciniak has previously refereed Manchester City in major European competition.
His most notable Manchester City assignment came in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final, when City faced Inter Milan in Istanbul.
Manchester City won the match 1-0 following a second-half goal from Rodri, completing a historic treble under Pep Guardiola.
Marciniak’s appointment for Porto vs. Manchester City therefore reunites the Polish referee with a club involved in one of the biggest matches of his officiating career.
Who Is the VAR for Porto vs. Manchester City?
Pol van Boekel of the Netherlands will serve as the VAR for Porto vs. Manchester City.
Van Boekel will be supported by fellow Dutch official Dennis Higler, who has been appointed as assistant VAR.
VAR can intervene in major match-changing situations involving:
- Goals
- Penalty decisions
- Direct red cards
- Cases of mistaken identity
The final decision remains with the on-field referee following any recommended review.
Porto vs. Manchester City Match Information
Porto welcomes Manchester City to the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal, for Tuesday’s Champions League matchup.
| Porto vs. Manchester City | Match Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Champions League |
| Date | Tuesday, September 8, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. MT / 12 p.m. PT |
| Local Time | 8 p.m. WEST |
| Venue | Estádio do Dragão |
| Location | Porto, Portugal |
| Referee | Szymon Marciniak |
| VAR | Pol van Boekel |
The fixture gives both clubs an opportunity to collect important points early in the Champions League league phase.
What Time Is Porto vs. Manchester City Today?
Porto vs. Manchester City kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Kickoff times across the United States are:
- Eastern Time: 3 p.m.
- Central Time: 2 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 1 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 12 p.m.
The match begins at 8 p.m. local time in Porto.
Where Is Porto vs. Manchester City Being Played?
Porto vs. Manchester City will be played at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal.
The stadium is the home of FC Porto and regularly hosts major domestic and European matches.
Manchester City will therefore be the away team for today’s Champions League encounter.
Porto vs. Manchester City Referee FAQ
Who is the referee for Porto vs. Manchester City?
Szymon Marciniak of Poland is the referee for Porto vs. Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on September 8, 2026.
Who is the VAR for Porto vs. Manchester City?
Pol van Boekel of the Netherlands is the VAR, with Dennis Higler serving as assistant VAR.
What time is Porto vs. Manchester City?
Porto vs. Manchester City kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Where is Porto vs. Manchester City being played?
The Champions League match will be played at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal.
Has Szymon Marciniak refereed Manchester City before?
Yes. Marciniak has previously officiated Manchester City, most notably refereeing City’s 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final.
Final Word
Szymon Marciniak will referee Porto vs. Manchester City today in the UEFA Champions League, with Pol van Boekel overseeing VAR.
The experienced Polish referee will take charge when Porto hosts Manchester City at the Estádio do Dragão on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET.
With extensive experience in major European and international matches, Marciniak brings one of UEFA’s most recognizable officiating profiles to the Champions League matchup.