Egyptian referee Amin Omar appointed to oversee Argentina vs Austria at World Cup 2026

Egyptian referee Amin Omar has been appointed to officiate Argentina’s World Cup 2026 group-stage meeting with Austria, a fixture in which victory for either side will secure progression to the knockout rounds.

Omar, 40, brings considerable experience to the role. He has overseen matches in the Egyptian Premier League for 13 years and has attended every Africa Cup of Nations since 2019. At this tournament, he has already taken charge of the opening-round clash between Czechia and South Korea.

According to Transfermarkt, Omar issued 53 yellow cards and three red cards — all for second bookings — across 12 regular-season matches in 2025-26. He averages between three and four yellows per game in Egyptian club football, sends off a player roughly once every five matches, and awards a penalty slightly less frequently than every other game at domestic level.

Omar will be assisted on the touchlines by fellow Egyptians Mahmoud Abou El Regal and Ahmed Hossam Taha. The fourth official and reserve assistant referee are Alejandro Hernandez and Diego Sanchez, both from Spain.

Both Argentina and Austria arrive at the fixture having won their opening group games — Argentina defeating Algeria and Austria beating Jordan. A win tonight guarantees a spot in the next round, though defeat would not be fatal: Argentina still face Jordan, while Austria have Algeria to come, leaving a route through for both sides regardless of this result.