Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh appointed for Spain vs Cape Verde World Cup opener

Adham Makhadmeh of Jordan has been confirmed as the referee for Spain’s 2026 World Cup Group H opener against Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium on Monday, with the 39-year-old bringing more than a decade of FIFA international experience to one of the tournament’s most anticipated early fixtures.

Makhadmeh has been a full FIFA international referee since 2013 and has overseen 167 matches across varying levels of the game, including AFC Champions League fixtures and an Intercontinental Cup tie between Pyramids FC and Auckland City. He also refereed Spain’s opening group stage match against Egypt at the 2021 Olympics, giving him direct experience of managing high-profile games involving La Roja.

He will be assisted by two fellow Jordanians — Mohammad Alkalaf and Ahmad Alroalle — while Colombia’s Andres Rojas is set to serve as fourth official. Another Colombian, Alexander Guzman, has been named reserve referee should Makhadmeh be unable to complete his duties.

Spain arrive as reigning European champions and second in FIFA’s international rankings behind only holders Argentina, making them among the favourites to lift the trophy. For Cape Verde, the occasion marks their first appearance at a major international tournament, having qualified by topping their group ahead of Cameroon.

Luis de la Fuente’s side have a mixed record in World Cup openers, failing to win three of their previous four group stage curtain-raisers — including the 2010 edition, the tournament they ultimately won. Lamine Yamal has been passed fit to take a place on the substitutes’ bench after recovering from a groin injury sustained in April during Barcelona’s La Liga title run.

A sell-out crowd of over 75,000 is expected at Atlanta Stadium, with the Group H table beginning to take shape before Saudi Arabia and Uruguay meet later the same day.