Full Breakdown
Turpin to Referee England-Croatia World Cup Opener Amid Past Managerial Feud
6/15/2026, 11:41:53 PM
Opening Whistle: Turpin Assigned to England-Croatia Opener
FIFA confirmed French referee Clément Turpin will officiate Croatia’s Group L opener against England at the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday evening. He will be assisted by Nicolas Danos, Benjamin Pagès and fourth official Katia García. The match is set for Dallas Stadium.
Referee Profile & Croatia Record
Turpin has been on FIFA’s international list since 2010 and has refereed the 2022 Champions League final (Real Madrid vs Liverpool) and the 2021 Europa League final. In four prior Croatia matches—a 2015 friendly win over Russia, two qualifying victories over Slovakia (3-1, 3-0) and a 1-0 Euro 2024 qualifier against Armenia—the Vatreni won each. A 2025 poll named him the world’s best referee.
Past Clash: Tuchel’s Grade E Critique
In the April 2023 Champions League quarter-final second leg, Turpin gave Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel two yellow cards and sent him to the stands. He issued five first-half bookings and showed a straight red to Dayot Upamecano for a challenge on Erling Haaland; VAR later overturned it. After Bayern’s 4-1 aggregate loss, Tuchel called Turpin “Grade E” and rated him one out of ten, calling him “absolutely terrible.”
England Squad’s Official Stance
Midfielder Jordan Henderson said England will focus on its own performance and trusts that the World Cup will feature the best referees. “We’re at a World Cup, I would like to think that the best referees in the world are here, and for us, it’s not something that we can control with a referee,” he added.
Why It Matters
The Group L opener sets England’s early World Cup trajectory in a campaign seeking its first major trophy in six decades. Turpin’s prior clash with Tuchel has drawn media attention, so any contentious call could shape perceptions of officiating.
Conflicting Views & Gaps
Turpin is praised as a top referee—evidenced by a 2025 poll naming him the best—yet Tuchel labelled him “Grade E.” The sources contain no public comment from Turpin or FIFA on the criticism, leaving the dispute unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Two things couldn't keep up with the level - the pitch wasn't in good condition and also the referee, unfortunately, was Grade E.” — Thomas Tuchel, England manager
- “I'd give him a one out of 10. He was absolutely terrible. It's unbelievable at this level. He was whistling for everything and anything. Everything was against us.” — Thomas Tuchel, England manager
- “We're at a World Cup, I would like to think that the best referees in the world are here, and for us, it's not something that we can control with a referee," he said.” — Jordan Henderson, England midfielder
- “I'm sure (Bellingham) was saying something to try and put me off but, thankfully, it was OK," Bellingham's England teammate Kane told reporters after the game.” — Harry Kane, England striker
Looking Ahead
The England-Croatia match kicks off Wednesday night in Dallas. Observers will watch for any contentious decisions that could echo the 2023 Bayern-Manchester City encounter, while both teams aim to secure three points to shape the group.
