Just five weeks after refereeing the last‑16 World Cup clash between Spain and Portugal in Dallas, Anthony Taylor announced his retirement, ending a 20‑year career that saw him oversee 668 matches in England and 163 international fixtures.

Taylor cited relentless pressure and scrutiny—both from fans and the media—as key drivers. He described the constant fear of mistakes, the “goldfish bowl” life, and the toll on his family, noting that the need for a break from such intensity prompted his decision.

In addition to stepping away, Taylor will join the Turkish Football Federation as director of elite refereeing to help repair a betting scandal that uncovered 371 officials with betting accounts. He aims to build resilience and improve standards for the next generation.

On VAR, Taylor said the system “is good for increasing overall accuracy”, but he was displeased with its controversial use at the tournament, which added to the pressure he felt as a top‑level referee.