Few referees have entered a World Cup knockout match under as much pressure as Adham Makhadmeh. FIFA has appointed the Jordanian official to referee the Round of 16 clash between the United States and Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle. Under normal circumstances, this would already be a high profile appointment. Instead, the match arrives after FIFA’s controversial decision to overturn Folarin Balogun‘s suspension, creating one of the biggest off field stories of the tournament. For Makhadmeh, every important decision will be examined more closely than ever.

USA vs Belgium match officials

Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan)

Assistant Referee 1: Mohammad Al Kalaf (Jordan)

Assistant Referee 2: Ahmad Al Roalle (Jordan)

Fourth Official: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)

Reserve Assistant Referee: Boris Ditsoga (Gabon)

VAR: Khamis Al Marri (Qatar)

AVAR 1: Nicolas Gallo (Colombia)

AVAR 2: Hernán Mastrángelo (Argentina)

Adham Makhadmeh’s World Cup performances so far

This will be Makhadmeh’s fourth match of the tournament. His previous appointments were:

• Spain vs Cape Verde
• Belgium vs New Zealand
• England vs DR Congo

Across those matches he has shown calm communication, good positioning and has generally allowed the game to flow. He has avoided unnecessary controversy and has yet to issue a red card during the tournament.

The VAR Verdict rating

8.1/10

His performances have been solid and consistent, earning FIFA’s trust for one of the biggest Round of 16 fixtures.

The Balogun factor changes everything

Normally, this would simply be another knockout match. Instead, it has become one of the most politically sensitive games of the World Cup. After Balogun’s red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, FIFA suspended the automatic one match ban under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, making him available against Belgium. The decision has been strongly criticized by the Belgian Football Association and has even prompted an appeal.

That means every challenge involving Balogun will immediately attract attention.

If he scores…

If he wins a penalty…

If he is booked…

Every decision will be debated.

The biggest referee challenges

Managing emotions

Belgium arrive frustrated by FIFA’s disciplinary decision. The referee must ensure that frustration does not influence the match. Early communication with players and captains will be essential.

Penalty area decisions

Both teams attack with pace. The United States rely heavily on direct running through Balogun and Pulisic, while Belgium create chances through technical movement around the penalty area. Holding, trips and shoulder challenges must all be judged consistently.

Tactical fouls

Belgium are likely to stop American counter attacks with tactical fouls. The referee must recognise persistent infringement early and protect the flow of the game.

Dissent

Given the pre match controversy, player reactions may be stronger than usual. Quick intervention and clear communication could prevent unnecessary confrontations.

VAR under enormous pressure

Khamis Al Marri and his VAR team may become just as important as the referee. Any review involving:

• Balogun
• Penalty decisions
• Red card incidents
• Offside goals

will immediately become international headlines. The VAR protocol remains unchanged. Technology should intervene only for a clear and obvious error or a serious missed incident. The controversy surrounding Balogun’s eligibility must not influence technical decisions during the match.

Referee prediction

This has all the ingredients of one of the hardest matches to officiate in the tournament. The football itself promises intensity. The atmosphere promises pressure. The political background surrounding Balogun adds another layer that no referee can ignore. For Adham Makhadmeh, this is a career defining appointment. A calm, consistent performance could strengthen his chances of receiving a quarterfinal or even semifinal assignment. A major mistake, however, would immediately become one of the defining refereeing stories of the World Cup.

The VAR Verdict

Referee confidence rating: 8.1/10

Adham Makhadmeh has quietly built an impressive tournament through three composed performances. Now comes his biggest test. The challenge is no longer only about applying the Laws of the Game. It is about keeping complete control of a match that already carries extraordinary attention before a ball has even been kicked. If the Jordanian referee delivers another composed performance, he could emerge as one of the breakout officials of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.