FIFA keeps Marciniak in reserve. The Pole will not coach the 1/8 finals
The absence of Marcinaiak on the list of referees for the 1/8 finals is not a mistake, but a deliberate move by FIFA. The Pole has a chance to reach the quarterfinals or semifinals.
FIFA did not send Szymon Marciniak to the list of referees for the last three matches of the 1/8 finals of the 2026 World Cup. This decision is not a coincidence - it is a deliberate move aimed at preparing him to officiate more prestigious matches in the later stages of the tournament. Marciniak, the only Polish referee at this World Cup, has already officiated two matches in the group stage.
His absence from the Round of 16 list suggests that FIFA views him as a key figure to officiate matches in the quarter-finals or semi-finals. This approach is nothing new - organizers often save the most experienced referees for the decisive stages of the tournament to ensure the highest level of refereeing. This rotation strategy is standard in the largest tournaments.
