FIFA has appointed Jordanian official Adham Makhadmeh to referee the United States’ World Cup Round of 16 tie against Belgium in Seattle on Monday, July 6. The appointment comes as the US received a major squad boost, with striker Folarin Balogun winning his appeal against the red card he received during the previous round.
Balogun cleared after red card review
The United States received a significant lift ahead of the knockout tie when the FIFA Disciplinary Committee overturned Folarin Balogun’s dismissal. The striker was sent off in the 64th minute of the Round of 32 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a decision that initially carried an automatic one-match suspension.
The controversial nature of the original decision had threatened to deprive the Americans of their key forward for this critical juncture. With the ban now rescinded, Balogun is eligible for selection as the US seek to progress beyond the Round of 16 for the first time since 2002.
Makhadmeh’s tournament experience
Makhadmeh, 39, has been a FIFA international referee since 2013 and has built a reputation as one of Asia’s most trusted officials. He is known for his composed demeanour when managing high-pressure encounters.
The Jordanian arrives in Seattle with substantial experience from the current tournament, having already officiated three matches. He made his 2026 World Cup debut on 15 June, handling Spain’s Group H fixture against Cape Verde. He subsequently took charge of Belgium’s group-stage meeting with New Zealand on 26 June, before overseeing England’s Round of 32 victory over DR Congo on 1 July.
This appointment marks his fourth assignment of the tournament and his second involving Belgium. Makhadmeh will lead an all-Jordanian officiating team, having been selected for the World Cup alongside two compatriot assistant referees. His experience extends to the pinnacle of Asian club football, having refereed the first leg of the 2017 AFC Champions League final between Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal and Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.
Historic quarterfinal opportunity
Monday’s fixture offers the United States the chance to equal their most successful World Cup campaign. The Americans are one victory away from matching their 2002 performance, which remains their only quarterfinal appearance in tournament history.
The match kicks off at 8 p.m. ET at the Seattle venue.