The second duel of the 2026 World Cup of the Mexico team against South Korea will have Uruguayan arbitration after FIFA chose a trio of referees led by international Gustavo Tejera, who will be assisted by his compatriots Carlos Barreira and Nicolás Tarán.

An appointment that has generated controversy among the South Korean press considering that the language barrier and the Latin tendency of whistlers can favor the Mexicans, with which they have criticized the appointment of the three referees for this key duel between Mexicans and South Koreans.

In addition to the Uruguayan triplet, other whistlers of Latin origin were also appointed, such as Andrés Rojas from Colombia, who will serve as fourth official, and reserve assistant Alexander Rojas, who instead of generating confidence in the Asians, considers that the Latin whistlers do not understand the style of the Mexicans too much.

Tejera will be accompanied by his compatriots Carlos Barreiro and Nicolás Tarán as first and second assistant referees. In addition, Colombian Andrés Rojas will be the fourth official and Alexander Guzmán, also from Colombia, will serve as reserve assistant.

Tejera is a referee of Uruguayan origin who has had a career in South American soccer and in international tournaments. This World Cup represents his first participation in a World Cup for senior teams as a central referee.

Strict whistler

Gustavo Tejera's profile draws attention because he stands out as a referee with strict criteria and has coached 344 matches and has shown 1,733 yellow cards, in addition to 44 red cards.

Tejera accumulated experience in youth competitions organized by FIFA, such as Under-17 and Under-20 tournaments. He has also directed matches in Conmebol competitions, including: Copa América, Copa Sudamericana, Copa Libertadores, World Cup Qualifiers, Pre-Olympics.

The presence of a mostly Uruguayan shortlist allows Tejera to work with assistants from the same country, something common in international appointments because it facilitates communication and coordination within the field.

The Korean press has claimed that the language issue is a limitation for their players, who, with the exception of Kang In Lee, none of them speak Spanish, understanding that the Nazarenes are of Uruguayan nationality, led by the experienced Gustavo Tejera.

Despite the complaints, the South Korean press also recalled their good record when their matches are called by South American referees, where they have four wins and two losses in the six matches where they have had a Latin presence.