CORNERFLICK
All signs point to Alireza Faghani being in line to referee the 2026 World Cup final. With only two matches left in the tournament, attention is on FIFA's referees' committee.
Faghani has not been assigned a quarter-final or semi-final, a pattern that often suggests a referee is being kept back for the final. FIFA has used that approach before, resting the selected official before the biggest match of the tournament.
His performances at the tournament have also drawn approval from FIFA's match observers. He handled the England v Mexico game despite protests from some England players, and no major error was recorded against him.
England's exit has removed another potential obstacle. After that match, some England players questioned his officiating, which had raised doubts about whether he would be chosen for the final.
Pierluigi Collina's confidence in Faghani is another factor in his favour. The FIFA referees' chief has trusted him with major games before, including the 2018 World Cup third-place match, the FIFA Club World Cup final and the Olympic final.
If FIFA confirms him, Faghani would become the first Iranian referee to take charge of a World Cup final as the on-field official. He would also make his 10th World Cup appearance as a referee.
For now, nothing is official. FIFA's final decision will determine whether Faghani adds another landmark to his career.