Dutch Referees Conclude 2026 World Cup Journey

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen the conclusion of assignments for the Dutch refereeing trio of Danny Makkelie, Hessel Steegstra, and Jan de Vries. Their participation in the tournament has come to an end, while fellow countryman Dennis Higler will continue in his role as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) until the tournament’s final matches.

Assignments at the Tournament

Makkelie, Steegstra, and De Vries began their World Cup journey with the opening group stage match between hosts the United States and Paraguay. They later officiated in Morocco’s final group game against Haiti. Their involvement extended into the knockout stages with an appointment for the Round of 16 fixture between France and Sweden.

Following these matches, Makkelie served as the fourth official for the game between Canada and Morocco, with Steegstra acting as the reserve assistant referee in the same fixture.

Reflections on Performance

Danny Makkelie expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance throughout the tournament. “We look back with immense pride and a good feeling on our performances,” Makkelie stated. “Ultimately, you only have influence over what you can control yourself. We know that as a team, we gave our all every day. We consistently received positive feedback.”

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) also conveyed its pride in the Dutch referees’ contributions to the World Cup. Raymond van Meenen, manager of professional football refereeing at the KNVB, commented, “Danny, Hessel, and Jan have represented the Netherlands excellently during this World Cup.” He added that the team had demonstrated the high international level they have maintained in recent years.

Van Meenen acknowledged the natural desire of referees to officiate as many matches as possible and to remain involved for as long as possible. “For further appointments, you are ultimately dependent on the choices made. You have no influence over those choices; you do have influence over your own performance,” he explained. “Danny, Hessel, and Jan can look back on their performances during this World Cup with a good feeling. As the KNVB, we greatly appreciate the way they have represented the Netherlands on the highest international stage.”

Higler Continues as VAR

Despite the departure of Makkelie, Steegstra, and De Vries, Dutch officiating remains present in the latter stages of the World Cup. Dennis Higler will continue his duties as VAR in the United States until the tournament concludes. While his specific match appointments for the final phase are yet to be announced, his continued involvement is seen as a significant recognition.

“That Dennis remains part of the refereeing corps for the final phase of the World Cup is a great acknowledgement,” said Van Meenen. “It is not yet known which match he will be appointed to, but we look forward with interest to the final stage of his tournament.”

The KNVB’s involvement at the 2026 World Cup highlights the continued presence and respect for Dutch referees on the international stage, with a focus on individual performance and consistent high-level officiating.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Concluding Referees | Danny Makkelie, Hessel Steegstra, Jan de Vries |
| Continuing Official | Dennis Higler (VAR) |
| Makkelie’s Assignments | 3 matches as referee, 1 as fourth official |
| KNVB Manager | Raymond van Meenen |
| Tournament | FIFA World Cup 2026 |

The performance of Dutch referees at major international tournaments like the World Cup is closely watched by fans and football authorities, reflecting the quality of officiating standards within the Netherlands. Their continued presence, even in different roles, underscores the nation’s contribution to the global game.

Source: KNVB, https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/scheidsrechters/scheidsrechters/72014/wk-2026-zit-erop-voor-team-makkelie

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