The United States and Paraguay will open their 2026 World Cup campaigns with experienced Dutch referee Danny Makkelie in charge of the Group D clash.
The match at SoFi Stadium is the third and last opening fixture involving a host nation during the opening round, and FIFA has turned to one of Europe’s most experienced officials.
Main Referee USMNT vs. Paraguay: Danny Makkelie
Danny Makkelie has spent more than a decade officiating at the highest level.
- Age: 43
- Nationality: Netherlands
- FIFA badge since: 2011
- Major tournaments: 2022 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2020, UEFA Euro 2024, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League
Away from football, Makkelie works as a police inspector in Rotterdam, a background that many believe influences his firm and disciplined style on the pitch.
He has become a regular choice for major FIFA and UEFA competitions and holds the record for officiating the most editions of De Klassieker, the fierce Dutch rivalry between Ajax and Feyenoord.
Career Achievements
Makkelie became an international FIFA referee at just 27 years old and has since built one of the strongest résumés among active officials.
Among his most notable appointments:
- Referee for the 2020 UEFA Europa League final between Sevilla and Inter Milan
- VAR official for the 2018 FIFA World Cup final between France and Croatia
- VAR official for the 2019 UEFA Champions League final
- Referee at the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups
- Referee at UEFA Euro 2020 and Euro 2024
Refereeing Style and Major Controversies
Makkelie is known for a strict, no-nonsense approach to match management. He has little tolerance for aggressive dissent and is one of the strongest supporters of VAR among elite referees.
Despite his status, several of his decisions have sparked debate.
One of the most controversial moments of his career came during England’s Euro 2020 semifinal against Denmark, when he awarded a decisive extra-time penalty after a challenge on Raheem Sterling. The call generated criticism across Europe.
In 2021, Makkelie also found himself in the spotlight after failing to award Cristiano Ronaldo a late goal during Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia, despite television replays showing the ball had crossed the line. The Dutch official later issued a public apology following the match.
More recently, he came under scrutiny in the Netherlands following an on-field confrontation with AZ Alkmaar defender Wouter Goes during an Eredivisie match in late 2025.
Full Refereeing Team for World Cup USMNT vs. Paraguay
FIFA has appointed the following officiating crew for the Group D encounter:
- Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
- Assistant Referee 1: Hessel Steegstra (Netherlands)
- Assistant Referee 2: Jan de Vries (Netherlands)
- Fourth Official: Yusuke Araki (Japan)
- Reserve Assistant Referee: Jun Mihara (Japan)
- VAR: Carlos Del Cerro Grande (Spain)
- Assistant VAR: Dennis Higler (Netherlands)
- Support VAR: Khamis Almarri (Qatar)
Referees have already become a major talking point at the 2026 World Cup after Brazilian official Wilton Sampaio showed three red cards during Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa. The decision was heavily debated and made the match the most card-heavy opener in World Cup history.
