Morocco's Jalal Jayed will serve as the referee when Portugal face Uzbekistan in their Group K clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the match taking place at Houston Stadium.

Jayed has held FIFA referee status since 2019 and, despite not yet reaching his 40th birthday, has built a strong résumé at the continental and global level. He is the first Moroccan referee to officiate at a World Cup since Mohamed Guezzaz did so at the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.

World Cup experience already under his belt

Before this assignment, Jayed had already taken charge of a World Cup fixture, overseeing Germany's commanding 7-1 victory over Curacao in Group E. He kept his cards in his pocket throughout that match, though he did point to the spot to award Germany a penalty after a foul on Felix Nmecha.

His major tournament credentials extend to the Africa Cup of Nations, where he refereed the third-place playoff between Egypt and Nigeria at last year's edition of the competition.

At home, Jayed has been one of Morocco's leading top-flight referees since 2015, regularly taking charge of high-profile domestic fixtures.

Full officiating panel

Jayed's fellow Moroccans Zakaria Brinsi and Mostafa Akarkad will serve as assistant referees on the line. South Africa's Abongile Tom takes the fourth official role, while Uruguayan Leodan Gonzalez and Morocco's Hamza El Fareq will operate as the VAR officials.

Ronaldo chasing history

The match carries significant personal stakes for Cristiano Ronaldo, who is searching for his first goal of the tournament after Portugal were held back by a well-organised DR Congo in their Group K opener. Ronaldo has the chance to become the first player ever to score at six separate World Cups — a record that any free-kick or penalty could bring within reach.

Lionel Messi made history at the tournament on Monday, and Ronaldo will be determined to write his own chapter before the group stage is done.