The referee for tonight's Senegal vs Iraq match is Anthony Taylor, an official from England.
In all likelihood, this is the end of the road for both Senegal and Iraq. Having swapped exchanges with France and Norway in Group E, both are yet to win a point and their goal difference isn't up to much either.
Senegal need a big win to have even a faint hope of progressing to the round of 32. Iraq, well, they need an even bigger win. It's not impossible for either of them but the chances are the damage has been done. As the bottom two teams in the group hope against hope, who will be the match referee overseeing the four quarters in Toronto?
Referee appointment for Senegal vs Iraq
The lead official for Senegal vs Iraq is one of two English referees from the Premier League at the World Cup and this time it's Anthony Taylor at the whistle in Canada.
Taylor is one of England's best-known referees and has been operating at Premier League level for the last 16 years. He rose to FIFA's international list in 2013.
Taylor needs no introduction to regular watchers of Premier League matches. He has become the league's most senior referee and is one of the most experienced officials in the European game.
Now 47, Taylor has taken charge of a Europa League final and is at his second World Cup. He refereed two group stage matches in Qatar, dismissing South Korea manager Paulo Bento at the end of a game against Ghana.
In the most recent Premier League season, Taylor was in the middle for 31 matches and issued 121 yellow cards – that's nearly four per game on average. He gave a penalty about once every five games.
Taylor sent just two players off in the league in 2025-26. Moises Caicedo of Chelsea got his marching orders against Arsenal but the Blues were on the other side of Jean-Clair Todibo's dismissal when they played West Ham United.
He has already officiated one match at World Cup 2026, overseeing Colombia's group stage win over Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca.
Taylor will be assisted by compatriots Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn.
Saudi Arabia's Khalid Al-Turais will be the fourth official.
