Morocco to Face Haiti in 2026 World Cup with Dutch Referee Danny Makkelie in Charge
On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Morocco will take on Haiti in their third match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will be officiated by Danny Makkelie, a seasoned referee from the Netherlands, who is recognized as one of the top officials in the world. Makkelie's experience at this level makes him a fitting choice to oversee this crucial group stage encounter in Atlanta.
Alongside Makkelie will be his compatriots Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries serving as assistant referees on the sidelines, while Joao Pinheiro from Portugal will act as the fourth official. This lineup of officials underscores FIFA's commitment to ensuring that every match is managed with the utmost professionalism and expertise.
Profile and Background of Referee Danny Makkelie
Danny Makkelie, born on January 28, 1983, in Willemstad, Curacao, has been on the FIFA referee list since 2011. His rise to international prominence has been marked by numerous appointments at World and European Championships, as well as in major UEFA competitions. Makkelie's journey began in the Dutch Eredivisie, where he established himself as a top referee, and he has since become a vital figure in UEFA officiating. Notably, he officiated the Europa League final in 2020 between Sevilla and Inter Milan.
During the UEFA Euro 2021, Makkelie managed significant matches, including the Round of 16 clash between Germany and England, as well as the semifinal match between England and Denmark held at Wembley Stadium. Makkelie gained initial World Cup experience as a video assistant referee during the 2018 tournament in Russia, and four years later, he took on the role of main referee in Qatar, notably overseeing the group match between Spain and Germany.
Experts in the field regard Makkelie as a confident and communicative official with a high degree of game intelligence. He is known for his clear communication with players and his ability to minimize interruptions during matches, contributing to the overall flow of the game.
As the World Cup approaches, the officiating roster has raised questions regarding the participation of German referees. Felix Zwayer stands as the sole German referee nominated for the World Cup, having officiated his first match during the group stage encounter between the USA and Australia on June 19, 2026.
As reported by swp.de.
