FIFA referee to wear special kit for Japan vs Tunisia World Cup clash

Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs will wear a once in a lifetime kit when he takes charge of Japan vs Tunisia at the World Cup.

The two nations are set to meet in a Group F clash in Guadalupe, Monterrey, for what will be the 1,000 FIFA Men’s World Cup match.

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And to mark such a special occasion, the Champions League official will wear a referee’s kit trimmed with gold.

There will also be a gold badge with the number 1,000 on it.

And in a special video, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee and former official, Pierluigi Collina, presented Kovacs with the shirt.

In a speech before, he said: “The 1,000th match is Japan vs Tunisia. It is a very, very special match because it is match number 1,000 in the history of the World Cup.

“Imagine being the referee of this very, very particular match.

“Being the referee of this match deserves something special.

“As you can see, something with gold, so the stripes are in gold.

“There is a patch in gold which says match number 1000.”

Landmark moment

Since the first tournament won by Uruguay 96 years ago, the competition has grown into one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

The 2026 edition has already proven hugely popular despite many issues leading up to it for various nations and individuals.

Japan vs Tunisia

Japan head into this game having drawn their opening fixture with the Netherlands 2-2. The Samurai Blue came from a goal down twice to seal a deserved point.

Japan have been tipped as dark horses for the tournament, but have suffered a few big injury blows.

Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton was ruled out before the competition began.

Wataru Endo suffered an injury just as they were about to start against the Netherlands and subsequently retired from international football.

And Takefusa Kubo left Dallas in a wheelchair with a knee injury.

Meanwhile, Tunisia have already sacked their manager after just one game.

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Former Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi was given on remit in this tournament – don’t be embarrassed.

They then lost 5-1 to Sweden first up, and Lamouchi was removed.

He has already been replaced by legend of African football Herve Renard.

The Frenchman has a lot of tournament experience in the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, and he has a deal until the end of the tournament.