Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterNetherlands vs Japan has everything required to make a decent contest, but whos on the whistle for this one?World Cup 2026s Group F opener pits the Netherlands against Japan at AT&T Stadium, and while FIFA rankings may make Oranje the favourites, Japans host of European-based playing talent is sure to make this one interesting.But whos officiating the contest?The referee for Netherlands vs Japan at World Cup 2026Moroccan-born American referee Ismail Elfath has been appointed the lead referee for this one.He started his whistle-toting career in the MLS over 15 years ago, and has been named Referee of the Year in that division twice over the past six years. You may like How to watch Netherlands vs Japan for FREE: World Cup 2026 live stream, TV channels, kick-off time and worldwide viewing options Netherlands vs Japan prediction, as two dark horses face off against one another Who are the ITV commentators, pundits and presenters for Netherlands vs Japan? Elfath was also at World Cup 2022, where he took charge of Japans Round of 16 game against Croatia, and was fourth official for the historic final between Argentina and France.On either flank, hes joined by an all-American line-up of Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Katia Itzel Garcia is charged with managing the dugouts, the Mexican official primarily refereeing in Liga MX and internationally in the womens game.She has also worked on the 2024 Summer Olympics and taken charge of games in the 2023 Womens World Cup and the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup.Fellow Mexican Sandra Ramirez is the reserve assistant referee.American referee Armando Villarreal is leading the Video Assistant Referee operation for this game, another official who works domestically in the MLS, and was also on VAR in the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Womens World Cup.His assistant is Brazilian Rodolpho Toski, who officiates primarily in his home nations Serie A, and has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2017.Polish official Tomasz Kwiatkowski rounds out the screen-based referee trio for this one.Isaac Stacey StrongeSocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterIsaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for FourFourTwo, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan.
