Colombia and DR Congo are under pressure in their tightly contested group. Colombia had fter a strong start wants to maintain momentum, and DR Congo looks to continue their impressive and hard-fought return to World Cup football.
With qualification points crucial at this stage, FIFA appointed Italian official Maurizio Mariani for this match.
This 2026 World Cup fixture is his second appointment of the tournament, after his earlier role in the Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay match.
Main Referee Colombia vs. DR Congo: Maurizio Mariani
- Nationality: Italy
- FIFA-listed referee since: 2019
- UEFA Elite status: Since 2024
- Tournament role: 2026 FIFA World Cup official
- World Cup 2026: Second match assignment
Refereeing Style and Disciplinary Profile
Mariani is known as a strict, rule-focused referee who prioritizes control and consistency over game flow.
- Enforces FIFA laws very strictly with minimal tolerance for dissent, uses early yellow cards to prevent escalation of physical play, frequently relies on VAR, prefers structured, controlled matches rather than open play
- Average yellow cards: ~3.78 per match
- Averagered cards: ~0.18 per match
Career Achievements
- Serie A promotion (2015): Became a regular top-flight referee in Italy
- UEFA Champions League debut (2022): Rapid progression into elite European matches
- 2024 Copa América appointment: Participated under UEFA-CONMEBOL referee exchange program
- 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final: Appointed to officiate the tournament final
- 2026 UEFA Conference League Final: Selected for a major European club final
Career Controversies
- Inter vs Napoli (2024): Controversial penalty decision for which he was suspended and temporarily demoted
- Napoli vs Inter (2025): VAR-overturned penalty decision sparked suspension and heavy criticism
- Torino vs Inter (2026): Handball penalty awarded after VAR review drew widespread debate
Full Officiating Team for Colombia vs. DR Congo
- Referee: Maurizio Mariani
- Assistant Referee 1: Daniele Bindoni (Italy)
- Assistant Referee 2: Alberto Tegoni (Italy)
- Fourth Official: Juan Calderón (Costa Rica)
- Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Marco Di Bello (Italy)
- Assistant VAR: Mohammed Obaid Khadim (UAE)
