THERE will be a familiar face in the middle during World Cup 2026 this summer.
Clement Turpin, known for officiating in the , will be at his sixth international tournament this summer.
Clement Turpin is one of the best referees in world football Credit: AFP or licensors
The Frenchman officiated the Champions League final in 2022 Credit: The Times
Who is Clement Turpin?
Clement Turpin is one of the most experienced whistlers at World Cup 2026.
The Frenchman began in the National League in 2006, taking just two years to reach , the highest rung in the domestic ladder.
In 2010 he was given listed status, meaning he could branch out into .
Since then he has reffed in 2014 and 2018 qualifiers and was in the middle during Euro 2016 in his home country.
Turpin is a hugely experienced referee and has previously taken charge of both a Champions League final in 2021 between and Real Madrid, as well as a Europa League final between and Villarreal in 2021.
The official previously spoke about how he never expected to take charge of such important games when he was beginning his career.
He explained: “I never said to myself that I would referee a European final one day.
“From the start, I preferred to set myself small targets and challenges along the way.
“I’ve never had a particular role model as a referee, but I’ve watched other referees and taken little bits of what they do and incorporated them into my own refereeing.”
At Euro 2024, he officiated ‘s group stage clash against Slovenia, which ended in a goalless draw.
Some of you may think that Turpin looks familiar despite not even knowing his name.
That could be because a lot of supporters have .
When he took charge of the 2024 Champions League , fans took to social media to joke that at least one Arsenal player had made it through.
One fan posted: “ has made the #UCL semi-finals…”
Another wrote: “Dude’s on fire, deserved spot in the semis.”
A third said: “Wait a minute!! The referee is Trossard.”
A fourth joked: “Why is Trossard refereeing?”
While a further fan added: “This ref gotta be Trossard’s father.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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