MUSTAPHA GHORBAL has been selected as the referee for Scotland’s World Cup opener against Haiti.
‘s Ghorbal is one of eight African in North America for the .
Mustapha Ghorbal is at his second World Cup Credit: PA
Who is Mustapha Ghorbal?
Ghorbal was born in the Algerian coastal city of Oran.
The 40-year-old made his Algerian first division debut in 2011 and it took him just three years to become an by Fifa.
Ghorbal has taken charge of matches at the last four Africa Cup of Nations and he has two African finals on his CV.
The experienced official refereed two matches at the World Cup in Qatar four years ago.
He was also the fourth official for the quarter-final when Croatia famously beat 4-2 on penalties.
Ghorbal is no stranger to controversy after needing a police escort out of the African Champions League semi-final tie between Tunisian side Esperance and South African team Mamelodi Sundowns.
Water bottles were thrown at him after he disallowed an Esperance goal for a foul on the goalkeeper.
He was accused of “killing the game” and being “weak” by Esperance manager Patrice Beaumelle.
But after being called up to the World Cup, Ghorbal said: “Thank God I was chosen among the list of referees who will participate in the 2026 World Cup – my second tournament.
“I thank everyone who supported me and I thank the Algerian Football Federation for their absolute support.
“God willing, I will live up to the trust placed in me and represent Algeria in the best possible way at the World Cup.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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