Dayot Upamecano told L’Équipe on 3 July 2026 that France will ignore the appointment of Argentine referee Facundo Tello for their World Cup quarter‑final against Morocco, stressing the team’s focus on winning the match.

What did Upamecano say?

The Bayern Munich centre‑back said, “I don’t focus on who the referee is. We have never done that. We are focusing on Morocco and want to win the match.” His comment came during a press briefing on Wednesday, the day before the Thursday fixture.

Why the referee sparked talk?

FIFA’s decision to assign Tello, an Argentine, raised eyebrows in French media because of the historic rivalry between France and Argentina. The South Americans beat Les Bleus on penalties in the 2022 final, and four years earlier France eliminated Argentina in a dramatic 4‑3 last‑16 clash. Some pundits wondered if the appointment could tilt the balance.

How the squad reacted overall

Reserve goalkeeper Robin Risser echoed Upamecano, adding, “We must not become paranoid. If these referees are involved, it’s because they are up to the level of the competition.” The comment underlines a collective desire to keep nerves in check.

What’s at stake for France?

A win puts France into a semi‑final where they could meet Argentina again, either in the final or the third‑place play‑off. The team’s focus on Morocco reflects a pragmatic approach: secure the quarter‑final, then decide the next opponent based on results.

What comes next?

France will line‑up with Upamecano anchoring the defence, hoping his calm will filter through the back line. The match is set for Thursday at Lusail Stadium, with kickoff at 22:00 local time. All eyes will be on how the French defence handles Morocco’s swift attacks and whether the referee’s nationality will ever become a talking point.

Historical context

The last time a French referee featured in a high‑profile World Cup match, François Letexier oversaw Argentina’s 3‑2 comeback win over Egypt in the last‑16. That game sparked controversy over several decisions, reminding everyone that refereeing can become a flashpoint in tournament narratives.

Final note

Upamecano’s message is clear: stay locked on the opponent, not the official. If France can keep that discipline, the quarter‑final could be another step toward a possible repeat of their 2018 triumph.