Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti to take charge of Switzerland vs Canada in Vancouver

Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti will take charge of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B clash between Switzerland and Canada in Vancouver, with compatriots Danilo Manis and Rafael Alves serving as his assistants. Peru’s Kevin Ortega is the fourth official, with Michael Orue as reserve assistant referee.

Abatti, 36, is less experienced than some of his fellow officials at this tournament but is no stranger to its demands. He previously refereed Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt in Group G, issuing four yellow cards in that fixture. His disciplinary record in 2025/26 suggests he is reluctant to reach for red — he has sent off just three players across 29 matches this season, according to Transfermarkt.

Despite a lower international profile than some peers, Abatti has officiated in Brazil’s top flight for several seasons and notably took charge of the men’s football gold medal match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, in which Spain defeated France 5-3 after extra-time at the Parc des Princes.

The match itself carries significant weight, particularly for Canada. Jesse Marsch’s side currently sit above Switzerland on goal difference, and a point in Vancouver would be enough to secure top spot in Group B — and with it, the guarantee of continuing to play on home soil throughout the tournament.

Both teams arrive having benefited from opposition red cards in their second group fixtures. Canada thrashed Qatar 6-0 after Homam El Amin and Assim Omer Madibo were both sent off for Julen Lopetegui’s side; the latter dismissal came for a foul that left Canada midfielder Ismael Kone with a badly broken leg. Switzerland, meanwhile, saw Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic dismissed late in a match they were already leading 1-0, eventually running out 4-1 winners.

With both sides in form and the stakes clear, Abatti will need to manage what promises to be a tense and physical encounter in Vancouver.