Said Martínez makes history and will whistle his second game of the 2026 World Cup

Honduran refereeing will once again be under the spotlight of world football. The FIFA appointed the central judge Said Martinez to direct the meeting between England and Ghanacorresponding to the second date of the group stage of the 2026 North America World Cup.

The match between the English and Ghanaians will be played next Tuesday, June 23 at 2:00 in the afternoon, Honduras time, at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

With this nomination, Martinez will reach a new milestone in his career by becoming the first Honduran referee to officiate two matches in a World Cup of absolute category.

The designation ratifies the confidence that the Referees Commission of the FIFA maintains the experienced whistler Catracho, considered one of the best exponents of refereeing of the Concacaf.

The Honduran referee will not be alone in this important responsibility. His compatriots will accompany him Walter López and Cristian Ramírez as assistant referees, forming a completely Honduran shortlist for one of the most attractive matches of the World Cup day. The Chinese was appointed as the fourth referee. Ma Ningwhile Zhou Fei He will serve as fifth officer.

The presence of Said Martinez In this meeting it represents the second appearance of Honduras at the center of the refereeing scene during the tournament. His first performance in World Cup came in the compromise between Qatar and Swisswhere he carried out outstanding work that allowed him to continue gaining international recognition.

That historic appointment against the Qataris and Swiss marked a before and after for national arbitration. Martinez became the first Honduran to dispense justice as central arbitrator in a World as adults, opening a door that seemed reserved only for the referees of the main football powers.

Now, with England and Ghana as protagonists, Said Martinez He will have a new opportunity to demonstrate his ability on the highest stage of football.