English referee Michael Oliver will officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Canada and Morocco, scheduled for Saturday at Houston Stadium.
The experienced official will be assisted by his fellow countrymen Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring as first and second assistant referees. Dutch referee Danny Makkelie will serve as the fourth official, while his compatriot Hessel Steegstra has been appointed reserve assistant referee.
Morocco heads into the match after securing its place in the Round of 16 following a thrilling encounter against the Netherlands. The Atlas Lions won 3-2 in the penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.
The Dutch had taken the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo, but Mohamed Ouahbi's men snatched a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time thanks to Issa Diop (90 1), sending the match to penalties.
In the decisive shootout, Morocco kept its composure, led by the crucial saves of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, the hero who helped the Atlas Lions secure qualification for the quarter-finals.
