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Germany vs Ivory Coast in Group E at the 2026 World Cup will be played this evening at the Toronto Stadium.
Kicking off at 9PM British time, the Germans enter fresh off the back of a 7-1 beatdown delivered to Curacao, in which Kai Havertz bagged a brace.
Conversely, Ivory Coast struggled to a late 1-0 victory over Ecuador, courtesy of a 90th minute Amad Diallo strike, meaning either national side can top Group E this evening.
Who is the referee for Germany vs Ivory Coast in Group E at the 2026 World Cup?
With his two goals against Curacao, the Arsenal forward claimed joint second in the World Cup Golden Boot rankings.
In tonight's game, a must-win for either national team to secure knockout football, Paraguay's Juan Gabriel Benitez Mareco will referee.
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Benitez possesses an extensive officiating career, including on the international stage.
The Paraguayan refereed two of Argentina's World Cup qualifying matches in the build-up to the North American tournament.
He will be joined by fellow countrymen Eduardo Cardozo and Milcíades Saldivar, as assistant referees.
Benitez is unafraid to reach into his pocket, averaging nearly five yellow cards per game across his 11 year career.
It has been said of the Paraguayan that he is unable to handle high intensity fixtures, as evidenced by his willingness to show yellow.
Benitez also showed red to Enzo Fernandez, in Argentina's 1-1 draw during World Cup qualifying against Colombia.
The 43-year-old oversees a sending off nearly once in every three games, and has never refereed at the World Cup before.
Germany and Ivory Coast are separated by 23 places in the FIFA World Rankings, with Group E's top spot, and qualification to knockout football, firmly on the line.
