World Cup
Adham Makhadmeh to referee Belgium-USA tie, recall penalty saga
The FIFA referee panel has confirmed that 39‑year‑old Jordanian Adham Makhadmeh will officiate the round‑of‑16 clash between Belgium and the United States, a match that decides a quarter‑final spot against either Spain or Portugal. Makhadmeh previously refereed Belgium’s 5‑1 win over New Zealand, where a denied penalty was overturned after VAR review.
Makhadmeh will be supported by two Jordanian assistant referees and two Gabonese extra officials, as announced by FIFA. The officiating team will oversee the match in Seattle.
This is Makhadmeh’s first World Cup, and earlier in the tournament he took charge of the Spain‑Cape Verde group game, which ended 0‑0. He also refereed the round‑of‑16 encounter where England beat Congo 2‑1.
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Beyond the World Cup, Makhadmeh has overseen numerous Asian qualification fixtures for the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. He previously acted as referee in a quarter‑final at the Arab Cup. The Belgium‑USA fixture will be streamed live on Voetbalkrant.com from 02:00 on 07 July. Belgian fans will be watching closely, aware that a penalty decision could sway the outcome and shape the path to a potential quarter‑final against Spain or Portugal. During Belgium’s third group match against New Zealand, Makhadmeh initially signalled a penalty for Belgium in the first half. The decision was later reversed after VAR intervention.