The second match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A schedule takes place at Estadio Akron in Mexico, as South Korea face Czechia in what promises to be a crucial fixture in one of the tournament's most competitive groups.

Egyptian official Amin Omar has been appointed to referee the encounter — his first World Cup assignment since earning a place on the FIFA list back in 2017.

Who is Amin Omar?

Omar is a 40-year-old Egyptian referee with 13 seasons of experience in the Egyptian Premier League. He has also officiated at every Africa Cup of Nations since 2019, establishing himself as one of the continent's most prominent match officials.

Across 188 Egyptian top-flight regular-season fixtures, Omar has built a reputation as a firm but active referee. In 12 league matches during the 2025–26 season, he handed out 53 yellow cards and dismissed three players — all via second bookings — according to Transfermarkt.

His record in cup competitions

In all competitions this season, Omar showed five straight red cards and awarded four penalties. In the CAF Confederation Cup, he averaged 4.5 yellow cards and sent off two players across his two matches in the competition earlier in 2026.

A notable moment came in his CAF Confederation Cup semi-final in April, when Olympique Safi goalkeeper Hamza Hamiani was dismissed after connecting with an opponent while attempting a punch. The red card was upheld following a VAR review, though no penalty was awarded due to a prior offside offence.

Over the full span of his 13-year career in Egyptian club football, Omar averages between three and four yellow cards per game and issues a red card roughly once every five matches. He awards a penalty at a rate of slightly below one every two domestic fixtures.

Context heading into match two

Omar takes charge following a dramatic opening Group A fixture between Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Azteca, in which three red cards were shown. All eyes will be on the Egyptian official to see how he manages the threshold in what could be another intense encounter.

Compatriot Mahmoud Ashour will serve as the video assistant referee for the South Korea vs Czechia fixture.