Who is Danny Makkelie, referee for USMNT vs Paraguay in World Cup 2026 Group D opener?

The 2026 World Cup continues tonight with the debut of another host nation. The USMNT will kick off its tournament run against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, and FIFA has selected a referee with extensive international experience for a match that promises intensity from the opening whistle: Danny Makkelie.

Born in Willemstad, Curaçao, but representing the Netherlands, Makkelie has established himself as one of the most respected officials in European soccer over the past decade. At 43 years old, he arrives at the World Cup backed by a career built on the sport’s most demanding stages, having carried his FIFA badge since 2011.

The Dutch official is known not only for his commanding presence in high-profile matches but also for his career off the pitch, working as a police inspector in Rotterdam. That unique combination of authority and conflict resolution has earned him the trust of both UEFA and FIFA for the world’s most high-stakes fixtures.

For the clash between the Americans and Paraguayans, Makkelie will be accompanied by compatriots Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries as assistant referees, while veteran Spanish official Carlos del Cerro Grande will handle VAR duties. The assignment underscores FIFA’s intent to field an elite officiating crew for one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the group stage.

Elite resume on the world stage

Throughout his career, Makkelie has refereed at the absolute highest levels of the sport, including the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA European Championship, and the FIFA World Cup. He is also a mainstay in the UEFA Elite Category, a distinction reserved strictly for the highest-rated referees in European soccer.

His extensive experience in high-pressure environments will be tested once again when the USMNT and Paraguay kick off their 2026 World Cup campaigns. With a packed house at SoFi Stadium and the intense pressure inherent to a World Cup debut, the Dutchman will be tasked with maintaining total control over a physical matchup that will shape both teams’ paths in Group D.

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