France handed positive refereeing omen as Jesus Valenzuela picked for World Cup third-place play-off

Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela has been appointed to take charge of the World Cup third-place play-off between France and England – a choice viewed in France as a good omen ahead of the bronze-medal showdown.

World football’s governing body, FIFA, confirmed that Valenzuela will oversee the match, with Les Bleus bidding to end their campaign on a high against an England side still reeling from a narrow semi-final defeat to Argentina.

The match will decide who finishes third at the tournament, with both European heavyweights targeting a consolatory place on the podium after missing out on the final.

Familiar face for France

The appointment of Valenzuela has sparked particular interest in France. According to French outlet Ouest-France, the 40-year-old Venezuelan leaves “a positive memory” for the French national team, having already refereed one of their matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

That previous encounter passed without major controversy, something often highlighted as significant at the highest level, where refereeing decisions can come under intense scrutiny.

Valenzuela has also been entrusted with key fixtures at the current edition of the World Cup. During this tournament, he officiated the round-of-32 clash between Ivory Coast and Norway, underlining FIFA’s confidence in his ability to handle high-stakes games.

All-Venezuelan core with Moroccan support team

Valenzuela will be supported by an experienced officiating crew. His assistants on the touchlines will be fellow Venezuelans Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno, who regularly work with him in international and continental competitions.

Morocco’s Jalal Jayed has been designated as the fourth official, overseeing administrative matters on the touchline and managing the technical areas. Another Moroccan, Zakaria Brinsi, will serve as the reserve assistant referee, ready to step in should any member of the on-field crew be unable to continue.

The combination of South American and African officials reflects FIFA’s practice of assembling diverse refereeing teams at major tournaments, ensuring broad representation and experience from different confederations.

France and England eye bronze after semi-final heartbreak

France’s meeting with England comes after both sides fell short of the final. England were beaten 2-1 by Argentina in the semi-finals, a result that dashed their hopes of contesting the title and extended their wait for a first World Cup crown since 1966.

France, meanwhile, are also seeking redemption and a positive end to a campaign in which expectations were high. The third-place play-off, while often viewed as a consolation fixture, offers both teams the chance to leave the tournament with a medal and a morale-boosting victory.

With Valenzuela’s previous handling of French matches considered encouraging by some in the French camp, attention will now turn to whether his latest high-profile assignment passes as smoothly – and whether his presence will again coincide with a successful night for Les Bleus.

The third-place encounter is expected to draw significant global interest, pitting two of Europe’s traditional powerhouses against each other one last time at this World Cup, under the watch of a referee already familiar to one of the contenders.