Jesus Valenzuela to referee Australia vs Turkey in World Cup 2026 Group D opener

Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela will officiate the World Cup 2026 Group D clash between Australia and Turkey, with compatriots Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno serving as his assistant referees. Peru’s Kevin Ortega has been appointed fourth official for the fixture.

Valenzuela is one of South America’s most decorated officials, having been named CONMEBOL’s best referee by the IFFHS in December 2021. The 42-year-old has built his reputation across three Copa America tournaments and has officiated close to 400 matches since debuting in 2013, starting his career in the Venezuelan Primeira Division.

In terms of disciplinary tendencies, Valenzuela runs a firm line. He issues nearly five yellow cards per game and has shown yellow on almost 2,000 occasions throughout his career, alongside 115 red cards — averaging roughly one additional booking per match compared to the tournament’s preceding game, Scotland vs Haiti.

The two sides arrive at the fixture in contrasting form. Turkey head into the match on the back of six wins and one draw from their last seven games, with most of those results coming in World Cup qualifying. Australia, by contrast, have managed just two wins, one draw and four defeats from their last seven outings — all international friendlies — conceding nine goals in the process.

Turkey also hold a recent result over the referee’s home nation, having beaten Venezuela 2-1 in a pre-tournament friendly after falling behind inside the opening 15 minutes.