Norway's Espen Eskas has been appointed as the referee for the FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage clash between Uruguay and Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

The 37-year-old is a familiar face at the top level of the game. He officiates regularly in Norway's top flight and has taken charge of UEFA Champions League fixtures this season, demonstrating his experience on football's grandest stages.

Eskas also served as a fourth official during UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. His journey in football began as a player before he made the switch to refereeing at around the age of 16.

Full officiating team

Eskas will be supported on the lines by two fellow Norwegians — Jan Erik Engan and Isaak Bashevkin. American official Tori Penso takes the role of fourth official, with Brooke Mayo named as the reserve.

The video assistant referee duties fall to France's Willy Delajod, who operates in Ligue 1 and on the international stage both as a referee and as a VAR official. He is joined in the booth by compatriot Jerome Brisard and Dutch official Dennis Higler.

What is at stake

For Uruguay, the match represents a first opportunity to secure a FIFA World Cup 2026 victory under manager Marcelo Bielsa. Cape Verde, however, arrive in Miami with genuine confidence after holding former world champions Spain to a historic draw in their opening group game.