The FIFA has appointed English referee Michael Oliver to officiate the Round of 16 match of the 2026 World Cup between Canada and Morocco, scheduled for Saturday, July 4, at Houston Stadium. The kickoff is set for 1:00 PM local time, which is 6:00 PM in Morocco and 7:00 PM in France.
An experienced Premier League referee and a regular at major international events, Michael Oliver will be joined by his compatriots Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring, who have been designated as assistants. Dutch referee Danny Makkelie will serve as the fourth official, while fellow Dutchman Hessel Steegstra will be the reserve assistant referee.
This appointment comes ahead of a highly anticipated match between a Canadian team buoyed by its status as the host nation and a Moroccan squad determined to continue its journey in the tournament. After advancing from the previous round, the Atlas Lions approach this encounter with the ambition to confirm their strength and collective mastery against an opponent competing in a unique context.
The choice of Michael Oliver places this match under the guidance of a referee recognized for his experience at the highest level.
