Germany's Felix Zwayer has been appointed referee for the Group D clash between United States and Australia at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with kick-off at midday local time on Wednesday at Seattle's Lumen Field.

Both sides enter the match on the back of opening victories. The United States — co-hosts of the tournament — opened their campaign with a commanding 4-1 defeat of Paraguay, while Australia overcame Turkiye 2-0 in their first outing.

Who is Felix Zwayer?

Zwayer, 45, has been officiating since 2004, but his early career was overshadowed by a match-fixing scandal centred on a fellow referee. He was alleged to have accepted a €300 bribe and later informed on his colleague. Following a six-month ban, he returned to the profession and steadily established himself among Germany's most respected officials.

His experience at the highest level is considerable. Zwayer served as a VAR operator at the 2018 World Cup and has since taken charge of marquee fixtures — including the UEFA Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham, as well as England's semi-final win over Netherlands at Euro 2024. Wednesday's assignment, however, marks his debut as an on-field referee at a FIFA World Cup.

The full officiating team

Zwayer will be supported by two fellow Germans on the touchlines: Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz serve as his assistant referees. Mexico's Katia Itzel Garcia takes up the fourth official role, with compatriot Sandra Ramirez in reserve.

Germany's Bastian Dankert leads the VAR booth, with Morocco's Hamza El Fariq and Belgium's Bram Van Driessche completing the video review panel.