REFEREE François Letexier is seen as a trusted pair of hands to officiate at high-profile football matches – and the Frenchman will be at World Cup 2026.
Read on to find out more about who he is and his journey towards this summer’s festival of in North America.
Francois Letexier is regarded as one of the best referees in the world Credit: AFP
Francois Letexier refereeing Rangers v Sporting Braga in 2022 Credit: Reuters
Who is Francois Letexier?
François Letexier is a French referee who’s officiated almost 200 top flight matches.
He was born on April 23rd, 1989, in Bédée in northwest France.
He’s been a referee since 2017 and is ranked as elite by .
He then officiated his first senior international match in 2018 between and .
Former Olympique de Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas is booked by referee Francois Letexier in 2020 Credit: Reuters
Has Francois Letexier officiated at major tournaments before?
François Letexier has been in charge of thirteen matches since 2020.
He’s twice officiated semi-final clashes, including the 2024 game between Manchester City and Real Madrid, which saw .
It wasn’t the first time Letexier’s been caught up in a bit of a barney though.
Braga striker Iuri Medeiros was sent off during their 2022 Europa League semi-final against Rangers.
Francois Letexier shows the red card to Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell during the 2023 Champions League quarter final Credit: AP You never actually stop. I think that I’ll still be learning about being a referee when I blow the whistle for the last time!”
François Letexier
The Frenchman also took charge of a number of qualifiers.
In 2023 he refereed the tense UEFA Super Cup match, which saw on .
Letexier officiated three matches at Euro 2024, which was his first major international tournament.
He was on the whistle for in the final, becoming the youngest referee to officiate the final at 35-years-old.
The Frenchman was also in the United States last year for the Club World Cup where he was in the middle for three matches, including ‘s semi-final against Fluminense.
In January 2026, Letexier took charge of his first Saudi Pro League match between Al-Hilal and .
Most recently, he officiated Aston Villa’s triumph over Freiburg.
What else has Francois Letexier done before?
He also works part time as a court bailiff, something he says helps him keep a good life balance.
Away from football, François Letexier has two sons born in 2021 and 2024.
Letexier says it’s important to be courageous as a , as you have to make sometimes unpopular decisions.
He has spoken about the need to win the trust of players and understand what may make them frustrated.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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