Valenzuela to referee Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar in World Cup group decider

Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela has been appointed to oversee Bosnia and Herzegovina’s pivotal World Cup group-stage match against Qatar in Seattle, with both sides needing a result to keep their tournament hopes alive.

A victory for either team would move them onto four points — potentially enough to advance as one of the eight best third-placed sides — while a draw or defeat would end both nations’ chances of progressing to the knockout rounds.

Valenzuela is no stranger to this tournament, having already taken charge of Australia’s first-round victory over Turkey. The 2021 CONMEBOL Referee of the Year, as recognised by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), has accumulated close to 400 professional appearances since his debut in 2013 and has officiated at three Copa America tournaments, establishing himself as one of South America’s most experienced officials.

He will be assisted on the touchlines by fellow Venezuelans Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno. Tomosuke Araki of Japan has been named as the fourth official, with compatriot Jun Mihara serving as reserve assistant referee.