Elfath appointed referee for Netherlands vs Japan in World Cup 2026 Group F opener

Ismail Elfath, the Moroccan-born American referee, has been appointed to officiate Netherlands vs Japan at AT&T Stadium in the World Cup 2026 Group F opener.

Elfath began his officiating career in MLS more than 15 years ago and has been named Referee of the Year in that league twice in the past six years. He is no stranger to the World Cup stage, having taken charge of Japan’s Round of 16 match against Croatia at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, and serving as fourth official for the final between Argentina and France.

He will be flanked by an all-American assistant referee lineup, with Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins operating on either side.

Mexican official Katia Itzel Garcia has been appointed as fourth official to manage the dugouts. Garcia primarily referees in Liga MX and internationally in the women’s game, with experience spanning the 2024 Summer Olympics, the 2023 Women’s World Cup, and the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup. Fellow Mexican Sandra Ramirez takes the role of reserve assistant referee.

The Video Assistant Referee operation will be led by American official Armando Villarreal, who also works domestically in MLS and held VAR duties at both the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Brazilian Rodolpho Toski, a FIFA-listed referee since 2017 who officiates primarily in Brazil’s top division, serves as his assistant. Polish official Tomasz Kwiatkowski completes the VAR team.

The Group F contest is expected to be closely fought. While FIFA rankings position the Netherlands as favourites, Japan arrive with a squad heavily populated by European-based players, making Oranje’s advantage far from guaranteed.