Ramon Abatti confirmed as referee for Belgium vs Egypt at World Cup 2026

Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti has been confirmed as the man in the middle for Belgium’s World Cup 2026 Group G opener against Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday, with an 8pm UK kick-off.

Abatti, 36, arrives at his first World Cup with considerable big-match credentials. He refereed the 2024 Olympic final between Spain and France at the Parc des Princes, and was also on duty at last summer’s Club World Cup, overseeing Real Madrid’s victories over Borussia Dortmund and Pachuca as well as Manchester City’s win over Wydad — a match in which he sent off Rico Lewis.

He will be supported by an all-South American officiating team. Fellow Brazilians Danilo Manis and Rafael Alves will serve as assistant referees, while Peruvian Kevin Ortega takes the fourth official role and compatriot Michael Orue acts as reserve assistant referee.

The match itself carries significant personal stakes for both sides. Belgium, ranked 10th in the FIFA world rankings, failed to advance from their group at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and Rudi Garcia’s squad will be eager to go deeper this time. For Kevin De Bruyne, the tournament is widely expected to be his World Cup farewell.

Egypt return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition, with much of their hopes resting on Mohamed Salah, who is likely making his final appearance at the tournament. The Pharaohs are ranked 30th in the world.

Lumen Field — temporarily renamed Seattle Stadium for the duration of the World Cup — has a tournament capacity of 66,925. Group G action continues shortly after this fixture, with Iran facing New Zealand in Los Angeles.