Who is Said Martinez? The referee for Belgium vs Senegal

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 01: Referee Said Martinez and match officials are seen before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Belgium vs Senegal is a battle of two well-matched sides, both in poorer form than expected, but who is the referee? (Image credit: Getty Images)

Belgium vs Senegal is a battle of two well-matched but struggling sides at the 2026 World Cup.

After poor starts for either nation in the groups, both bounced back with strong final match victories to qualify for the Round of 32.

For Belgium, this came through a 5-1 win against New Zealand, while Senegal delivered a 5-0 drubbing vs Iraq.

Who is the referee for Belgium vs Senegal, Round of 32, 2026 World Cup?

Nathan Ngoy #25 of Belgium walks off the pitch after receiving a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match against Iran at Los Angeles Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Inglewood, California

Belgium have been poor this tournament. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Belgium vs Senegal will be played this evening at 9pm British time, with the game being held at the Seattle Stadium.

In charge of the clash is Honduran referee Said Martinez, who has officiated previous matches at the 2026 World Cup.

Referee Said Martinez with his arm extended

Said Martinez is the referee for Belgium vs Senegal. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Joining him as assistant referees are fellow countrymen Walter Lopez and Christian Ramirez.

Andres Rojas and Alexander Guzman of Colombia will serve as the fourth official and reserve assistant referee respectively.

Martinez previously refereed Group L's 0-0 draw between England and Ghana, as well as Group B's 1-1 stalemate between Qatar and Switzerland.

The Honduran official averages 2.5 bookings per game at the tournament, and has awarded one penalty in two matches.

He was also the fourth official for Portugal's 0-0 draw against Colombia, and boasts an impressive refereeing career.

Declan Rice vs Ghana

Said Martinez came under fire for his controversial refereeing vs Ghana. (Image credit: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Martinez has officiated 14 CONCACAF Champions League Cup clashes, averaging 4.1 bookings per game across 19 matches.

He has also refereed three Olympics Games face-offs, averaging almost six bookings per match in that competition.

The Honduran isn't afraid to wield his cards, however, he has also been a source of controversy at the 2026 World Cup after failing to award Ghana a 'clear' penalty against the Three Lions.

Kedar Bayley
Freelance Writer

Kedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC, he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television, you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.

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