Danny Makkelie to Referee USA’s Opening Match at World Cup

Dutch referee Danny Makkelie will officiate the opening match for the United States at the upcoming World Cup, taking on Paraguay. The global football governing body, FIFA, announced the appointment, highlighting Makkelie’s extensive experience on the international stage. The match is scheduled to take place in the early hours of Friday night into Saturday.

Makkelie’s Officiating Team

Assisting Makkelie will be fellow Dutch officials Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries as linesmen. Dennis Higler will serve as the assistant video assistant referee (VAR), maintaining communication with Makkelie throughout the game. The officiating crew will also include two Japanese officials: Yusuke Araki will act as the fourth official, and Jun Mihara will be the reserve assistant referee. The VAR for the match will be Carlos del Cerro Grande from Spain.

Previous Appointments and Incident

This World Cup appointment for Makkelie follows a decision by FIFA not to select Rob Dieperink, who was initially expected to accompany Makkelie as VAR. Dieperink was reportedly arrested in London, leading to his exclusion from the tournament.

Makkelie’s World Cup History

The 43-year-old Dutch referee is no stranger to the World Cup stage, with this marking his third participation. In the 2018 tournament held in Russia, Makkelie served as one of thirteen video assistant referees. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he officiated two group stage matches: Spain versus Germany and Poland against Argentina. His experience also extends to European Championships, having been involved in both the 2021 and 2024 editions.

Group Stage Context

The United States and Paraguay are drawn in Group D of the World Cup. This group also features Australia and Turkey, setting the stage for competitive early-round fixtures. Makkelie’s appointment to such a significant opening match underscores his standing within the international refereeing community.

Significance for FootballFans

For fans of international football and the teams involved, the appointment of an experienced referee like Danny Makkelie adds another layer of anticipation to the opening fixture. His consistent presence at major tournaments indicates a high level of trust from FIFA, suggesting a well-officiated and fair contest. The USA’s performance in their opening game is crucial for their tournament aspirations, and the referee’s role, while often behind the scenes, is vital in ensuring the integrity of the match.

Datos clave
| Aspect | Detail |
|—|—|
| Referee | Danny Makkelie (Netherlands) |
| Match | USA vs. Paraguay |
| Tournament | World Cup |
| Makkelie’s World Cup Appearances | 3 |
| Group D | USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey |

Fuente: https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/sport/artikel/5610967/scheidsrechter-makkelie-leidt-eerste-duel-van-de-vs-op-het-wk

Datos clave