Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterTurkey will head into tonights Group D match against Australia in far better form than their opponents, with both teams aiming to begin their World Cup 2026 campaigns strongly.Australia have taken four losses, two wins and a draw from their last seven matches, all international friendlies, conceding nine goals in the process.Turkey have tallied six wins and one draw in their last seven games, with the majority of those matches being World Cup qualifiers, and will be hoping for more of the same tonight but who will be officiating?The referee for Australia vs Turkey in Group D at the World Cup 2026The Australia vs Turkey match in Group D will be officiated by Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela.Joining him as assistant referees for the World Cup group stage face-off are fellow countrymen Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno. You may like How to watch Australia vs Turkey for FREE Australia vs Turkiye prediction after United States set Group D standard Australia squad World Cup 2026: Tony Popovic's team for opening game against Turkey Perus Kevin Ortega will serve as the fourth official, as Turkey look to continue their fine form from World Cup qualifying into the tournament itself.Valenzuela is an accomplished referee with prior experience on the international stage in three Copa America tournaments.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Debuting in 2013, the 42-year-old has officiated nearly 400 games, beginning his career in the Venezuelan Primeira Division.For fans of either side looking to know whether hes firm or loose with his bookings, Valenzuela issues nearly five per game.The 42-year-old has shown yellow on almost 2000 occasions, and 115 red cards, averaging a full additional booking per match than the referee in the tournaments preceding game Scotland vs Haiti.However, Valenzuela is an accomplished and esteemed referee, as evidenced by an honour he received in 2021.The 42-year-old was previously crowned as CONMEBOLs best referee in December 2021 by the IFFHS.Turkey previously prevailed against the referees nation in their latest friendly before the World Cup, beating Venezuela 2-1 after trailing by a goal in the opening 15 minutes.TOPICSAustraliaTurkeyKedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar 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.
