Tello appointed referee for South Africa vs South Korea in decisive Group A clash

Argentine referee Facundo Tello has been appointed to oversee South Africa’s crucial Group A fixture against South Korea, kicking off at 7pm local time (2am UK) at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico, with both nations’ tournament futures on the line.

South Africa must win to stand any realistic chance of progressing from the group stage, while South Korea know a draw is sufficient to secure second place behind already-confirmed group winners Mexico. Simultaneously, Mexico face the Czech Republic in Mexico City, meaning both matches carry significant weight for the final standings.

Tello is one of FIFA’s most prominent officials, having spent over a decade refereeing in his native Argentina. He is perhaps best known for a 2022 Champions Trophy final between Boca Juniors and Racing Club in which he issued ten red cards. Later that same year he officiated three matches at the World Cup, and was subsequently selected for Euro 2024.

This will be Tello’s second assignment at the current tournament, having previously overseen Canada’s 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Fellow Argentines Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade will serve as assistant referees, while Colombian Alexander Guzman has been named as fourth official. VAR officials for the match have not yet been confirmed.