​Clement Turpin is set to referee the England vs Norway World Cup match, with the respected French official having recently overseen England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia. Turpin took charge of England’s opening fixture of the tournament and has since acted as the referee for Paraguay’s draw with Australia and Colombia’s win over Ghana in the round of 32. The French official’s reputation isn’t without controversy, having once drawn a sharp rebuke from England boss Thomas Tuchel during his spell with Bayern Munich.
Tuchel, who described Turpin as “Grade E” after a Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester City in 2023, voiced his displeasure following Turpin’s performance at the Allianz Arena. Turpin handed Dayot Upamecano a straight red card for a last-man challenge on Erling Haaland, a decision that was later overturned by VAR due to offside, but Tuchel remained furious about the first-half officiating. “Two things couldn’t keep up with the level – the pitch wasn’t in good condition and also the referee, unfortunately, was Grade E. I’d give him a one out of 10. He was absolutely terrible. It’s unbelievable at this level,” Tuchel said. He added that Turpin “was whistling for everything and anything” and that Bayern were never in a position to overturn the odds “three men against us,” underscoring his frustration with the officiating in that match.
Despite this clash of opinions, Turpin is widely respected across Europe and has earned a reputation as one of the continent’s finest referees, bringing extensive experience to football’s biggest stages. He has dealt with high-profile players and moments, including instances involving Jude Bellingham. Turpin’s handling of Bellingham’s attempts to unsettle Harry Kane around the penalty area during a Champions League tie is remembered as part of his broader portfolio of managing top-tier talent and high-pressure situations.
Turpin’s career highlights underscore his status as a leading European official. He oversaw the 2021 Europa League final and the 2022 Champions League final, two marquee assignments that cemented his standing among the game’s elite referees. He also took charge of England’s goalless draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024, a testament to his continued presence on major men’s international stages. As England prepare to face Norway in the World Cup, Turpin’s appointment is closely watched by fans and pundits who recognize his command of difficult games and his experience in handling tense, high-stakes atmospheres.
For those following World Cup officiating and the build-up to England’s clash with Norway, Turpin’s track record provides a clear signal of a referee who is capable of managing the pace and intensity of international football at the highest level. His recent assignments, including the England-Croatia fixture, position him as a trusted navigator of the tournament’s demanding schedule. As the World Cup progresses, Turpin’s performances will remain under scrutiny from supporters and analysts alike, with his decisions likely to influence the flow and outcome of crucial matches.