A report says Oliver is among the contenders for the showpiece in New Jersey, but his prospects could depend on the teams that survive the knockout rounds.
If England reach the final, an English referee would reportedly be ruled out of their match. Argentina presents a separate neutrality concern, with the continuing dispute over the Falkland Islands considered a political sensitivity in appointment decisions.
That would make Oliver’s potential absence about more than nationality. For , the final official must not only be impartial but also be seen to be impartial.
England are reported to have reached the quarter-finals and now face Norway, with Erling Haaland providing the most obvious threat to their progress.
The tie carries consequences beyond the immediate route to the semi-finals. An England victory would remove Oliver from consideration for any later England fixture, while Argentina’s continued progress could create another barrier before the final.
The winner is expected to advance to a semi-final in Miami, keeping the referee question alive as the bracket takes shape.
Argentina’s reported comeback against Egypt has created a second storyline. The report says Lionel Messi played a central role after Argentina fell two goals behind, a result that prompted fierce criticism from Hassan.
“They want Messi to stay in the tournament,” the Egypt manager said, before adding: “Egypt deserved to qualify. We were the better team.”
Those claims remain allegations, but they ensure Argentina’s next match will be watched through more than a sporting lens. Their progress could influence both the tournament narrative and one of its most important appointments.
The next England-Norway meeting, along with Argentina’s next knockout tie, should determine whether Oliver remains a genuine final candidate-or whether neutrality rules close that door.