- Jul 17
Slavko Vinčić appointed for World Cup final as Szymon Marciniak's tournament ends after two group matches
FIFA has named Slovenian Slavko Vinčić to referee the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, while Poland's Szymon Marciniak, the 2022 final referee, leaves the tournament after only two group-stage matches.
- Jul 14
Marciniak waits on FIFA final decision as Collina admiration fuels historic double bid at 2026 World Cup
Szymon Marciniak was not assigned to either World Cup semi-final, leaving the Polish referee in contention for the 19 July final or the third-place match after French officials were ruled out by their team's progress.
- Jun 27
Late drama leaves Iran in limbo: disallowed goal, Taremi’s fury, and Salah’s scare
Iran thought they had secured a late winner, but VAR and Szymon Marciniak ruled it out for offside. Captain Mehdi Taremi then accused FIFA and the United States of trying to eliminate his team.
- Jun 17
Messi hat-trick opens Argentina's World Cup defence as Marciniak referees 3-0 win over Algeria
Lionel Messi scored all three goals, equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup record of 16, while Polish referee Szymon Marciniak oversaw a composed but occasionally contentious group-stage opener in Kansas City.
- Jun 15
Polish media launch campaign to give coaches the right to demand VAR reviews during football matches
Dziennik Bałtycki has sent an open letter to the Polish FA demanding that coaches be allowed to request a VAR check at least once per half, mirroring challenge systems in other sports.
- Jun 13
Szymon Marciniak to referee Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria
Szymon Marciniak, the Polish referee who oversaw the 2022 World Cup final, will officiate Argentina's first group-stage match against Algeria on June 17 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
