Marciniak, referee of the 2022 World Cup final, appointed for Egypt vs Iran in Seattle

Poland’s Szymon Marciniak has been confirmed as the referee for the Egypt vs Iran World Cup group-stage match at Lumen Field in Seattle, with kick-off set for 8pm local time (4am UK time).

Marciniak, 45, is among the most decorated officials at this summer’s tournament. He has been active in Poland’s Ekstraklasa since 2009 and has officiated at every European Championship and World Cup since, with the exception of Euro 2020 — instead taking charge of matches at the Arab Cup that year. His most prominent assignment came at the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, where he oversaw Argentina’s victory over France. The following year he was appointed to both the Champions League final and the Club World Cup final.

Running the line alongside Marciniak will be fellow Poles Tomasz Listkiewicz and Adam Kupsik. Yusuke Araki of Japan serves as fourth official, with compatriot Jun Mihara as the reserve. VAR details had not been confirmed at the time of publication.

The match carries significant knockout-stage implications for both sides. An Iran victory would send both teams through to the next round regardless of the outcome of the simultaneous Belgium vs New Zealand fixture in Vancouver, with Egypt advancing as one of the best third-placed sides. An Egypt win would eliminate Iran outright. A draw would leave Iran dependent on Belgium failing to better their result, or on three points and a neutral goal difference proving sufficient in the third-place standings.