FIFA has appointed English referee Anthony Taylor to lead the decisive Group I match between Senegal and Iraq in Toronto on June 26, 2026. Taylor, a veteran of the Premier League and Champions League, will be supported by fellow Englishmen Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn as assistants. The officiating team is completed by Saudi officials Khalid Alturais and Mohammed Alabakry. The appointment of Taylor comes with scrutiny due to his history of involvement in high-profile controversies in England. For Senegal, the stakes are exceptionally high following losses to France and Norway. The African champions must secure a victory against Iraq to keep their hopes of advancing alive. They are currently fighting to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams to reach the knockout stages.