Tello, 44, is one of the most experienced officials at this World Cup, having already taken charge of the Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina opener in Group B, where he showed five yellow cards.
He was also part of the refereeing roster at UEFA Euro 2024 and famously took charge of South Korea’s dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Portugal at Qatar 2022.
His reputation for a firm hand stems largely from a chaotic night in November 2022, when he showed a staggering ten red cards during Argentina’s Champions Trophy final between Boca Juniors and Racing Club.
Seven of those went to Boca Juniors players and three to Racing Club, after Carlos Alcaraz’s extra-time winner sparked ugly scenes between both benches. The match was eventually curtailed after Boca ran out of available players.
𝗥𝗘𝗙 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗔𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛!
Facundo Tello 🇦🇷 will officiate #Bafana v South Korea on Thursday.
He’s known for his no-nonsense approach and once sent off 10 players in one match in Argentina. #FIFAWorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/igGxZyuGGp
— #UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) June 22, 2026
For Bafana Bafana, the appointment will raise a few eyebrows given South Africa’s recent disciplinary history at this tournament, having already seen two players sent off in their opening defeat to Mexico.
With qualification for the knockout rounds on the line, Hugo Broos’s side will need to keep their composure against an official unlikely to show any leniency.
Photo: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
