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Sweden's Glenn Nyberg to referee Spain vs Austria in World Cup Round of 32

Glenn Nyberg, the Swedish referee who sent off Cristiano Ronaldo in World Cup qualifying last November, will take charge of Spain's Round of 32 clash against Austria at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

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Sweden's Glenn Nyberg to referee Spain vs Austria in World Cup Round of 32
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Glenn Nyberg of Sweden will referee Spain’s World Cup Round of 32 match against Austria at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with at least one of the two European sides set to advance to the last 16.

Nyberg, who has been officiating in Sweden’s Allsvenskan since 2013, is taking charge of his third game of the tournament, having previously refereed Ghana vs Panama and Curacao vs Ivory Coast.

The 2026 World Cup assignment represents a significant step up for the 38-year-old, who has steadily built his reputation across European competition. In last season’s Champions League league phase, he oversaw Newcastle United’s 2-1 home defeat by Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.

Nyberg is perhaps best known internationally for sending off Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo for elbowing Republic of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during a World Cup qualifying match in Dublin last November.

He will be assisted by fellow Swedes Mahbod Beigi and Andreas Soderkvist. Dahane Beida from Mauritania will serve as fourth official, with Elvis Noupue from Cameroon as reserve assistant referee.

Spain enter the match yet to fully justify their status as one of the pre-tournament favourites, while Austria arrive in strong form having scored six goals on their way to reaching the knockout stages.

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