Algeria's Mustapha Ghorbal will take charge of the Group C clash between Scotland and Haiti at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the match scheduled to take place at Boston Army this evening.

Scotland are making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, stepping into a 48-team tournament spanning North America in confident form. The Scots have rattled in eight goals across their last two warm-up fixtures — a 4-0 dismantling of Bolivia and a 4-1 victory over Curacao.

Ghorbal's officiating team

Ghorbal will be joined in his duties by two fellow Algerians: assistant referees Mokrane Gourari and Abbes Akram Zerhouni. Spain's Alejandro Hernandez has been appointed fourth official for the occasion.

A referee not without controversy

Ghorbal attracted significant attention in April after overseeing an African Champions League semi-final first leg. He disallowed what would have been a decisive goal, a decision subsequently upheld by VAR. The benefiting side went on to claim a 1-0 win, and the final whistle triggered explosive scenes inside the stadium.

The official required a police escort to leave the ground safely as supporters hurled water bottles at him and his fellow match officials.

Experience at the highest level

Despite that controversy, Ghorbal carries considerable experience at major tournaments. He officiated two group stage matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has refereed at each of the last four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Among his notable assignments, he oversaw Egypt's 3-2 victory against Cote d'Ivoire in January, as well as Manchester City's 6-0 demolition of Al-Ain in the FIFA Club World Cup last summer.

Across his career, Ghorbal has shown over 1,000 yellow cards in fewer than 300 games — an average of nearly four bookings per match.