Who is the referee for USMNT vs. Paraguay in World Cup Group D match?

On Friday night, the U.S. men's national team will take on South American side Paraguay to begin its 2026 World Cup journey.

While many soccer fans have a general idea of who the squads will roll out onto the pitch, not many fans are familiar with who the referee is in tonight's match.

The man in charge tonight actually has a very interesting background, including being born on a Caribbean island and a side gig as a police inspector in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Here is who will be blowing the whistle during Team USA vs. Paraguay's opening bout tonight at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

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Who is the referee in USA vs Paraguay?

FIFA has confirmed Dutch referee Danny Makkelie as the referee for tonight's match in California. The Group D opener will be Makkelie's first game at the 2026 World Cup.

MORE: What success looks like for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup

Where is Danny Makkelie from?

Makkelie was born in Curacao in 1983, making him 43 years old. 

After being elected to FIFA's international list in 2011, he refereed in the Dutch Eredivisie league. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he made his FIFA debut after refereeing two group-stage matches. Makkelie also made referee appearances at the 2021 and 2024 EURO tournament. 

Interestingly, Makkelie also used to be a part-time police inspector in Rotterdam, according to The Athletic and other reports.

The USMNT’s first match against Paraguay of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be officiated by Dutch referee Danny Makkelie. pic.twitter.com/1WeUAXcVTG

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Danny Makkelie matches as a referee

Makkelie's resume includes two group-stage matches at the 2022 World Cup (Spain–Germany in Group E and Poland–Argentina in Group C).

According to Who Scored, Makkelie has made 422 referee appearances before Friday's World Cup match. A total of 309 appearances of the Dutchman have come in his home Eredivisie league. He has also been appointed to rule in 60 UEFA Champions League games in Europe.

Makkelie has reportedly averaged 22.61 fouls per game that he has refereed, according to Matthew Kirby.