Dutch referee Danny Makkelie will take charge of the France vs Sweden fixture at New York New Jersey Stadium, marking his third assignment at World Cup 2026.

An experienced hand in the middle

Makkelie, 43, is one of UEFA's most senior officials and has been on FIFA's international list since 2011. Born in Curacao and a police officer by background, he brings considerable experience to this round-of-16 encounter — World Cup 2026 is his fourth major tournament and his second World Cup.

Among the career highlights for Makkelie is the 2020 Europa League final, a game played entirely behind closed doors, in which Sevilla defeated Inter Milan. That occasion underlined his credentials for the biggest stages in European football.

Controversy in his opening match

Makkelie's tournament did not begin without incident. Officiating the United States' opening group game in Los Angeles, he issued a yellow card to US captain Tim Ream for a foul on Paraguay's Miguel Almiron — only for VAR to reverse the decision and book Almiron for diving instead.

The use of a 'mistaken identity' clause to overturn a yellow card drew widespread criticism, with many observers arguing the provision was never designed to allow that kind of re-refereeing. Across his two group stage matches, Makkelie showed nine yellow cards in total — a rate roughly 50 percent higher than his average across 24 Eredivisie matches last season. He has yet to produce a red card at this tournament, despite sending off a player once every eight league games on average.

Match officials for France vs Sweden

Makkelie will be assisted by compatriots Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries on the lines, with Tori Penso serving as fourth official. Fellow Dutch official Dennis Higler will head the VAR operation from Dallas.