Who is the referee and VAR for England vs DR Congo at World Cup?
England benefited from a contentious refereeing decision during their goalless group-stage draw with Ghana. When Thomas Tuchel’s side face DR Congo on Wednesday, they will hope the officials are rather less central to the story.
Ghana appealed for a penalty after Ezri Konsa challenged Prince Kwabena Adu inside the area, but the referee allowed play to continue and VAR did not intervene. The decision divided opinion — and England’s next referee, Adham Makhadmeh, has experienced his own officiating controversies.
The round-of-32 match will be played at Atlanta Stadium — ordinarily known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium — and kicks off at noon ET and 5pm BST. The winners will face Mexico, who defeated Ecuador 2-0, in the last 16.
England topped Group L after beating Croatia 4-2 and Panama 2-0 either side of their goalless draw with Ghana. DR Congo progressed as one of the best third-placed teams after taking four points from matches against Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.
Who is the referee?
Adham Makhadmeh, 39, will take charge of the match and he has been a FIFA-listed international referee since 2013.
Makhadmeh became the first Jordanian to officiate a senior men’s World Cup match when he oversaw Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde in both teams’ tournament opener.
Both reached the knockout stage, with Spain finishing first in Group H and World Cup debutants Cape Verde second.
England against DR Congo will be his third appointment at this World Cup, having also overseen Belgium’s 5-1 group-stage victory over New Zealand. He has not previously refereed either team at the tournament.
Makhadmeh took charge of Spain vs Cape Verde(Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Makhadmeh usually officiates in the Jordanian Pro League but has considerable continental experience. His previous assignments include the AFC Asian Cup, the Tokyo Olympics and the 2019 Under-20 World Cup.
He also refereed the first leg of the 2017 AFC Champions League final between Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal and Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds. This is his first senior World Cup.
Who are the assistant referees and VAR?
Makhadmeh will be assisted by fellow Jordanians Mohammad Al-Kalaf and Ahmad Al-Roalle, who also worked alongside him during his two group-stage appointments.
Saudi Arabian referee Khalid Al-Turais is the fourth official, while compatriot Mohammed Al-Abakry is the reserve assistant referee.
The lead video assistant referee is Qatar’s Khamis Al-Marri. He will be supported by Mohammed Obaid of the United Arab Emirates, with American official Joe Dickerson acting as support VAR.
Al-Marri has been a FIFA-listed international official since 2010 and referees domestically in the Qatar Stars League, as well as across Asian Football Confederation competitions.
The Qatari has already been involved in matches featuring both teams at this World Cup. He was the lead VAR for DR Congo’s 1-1 draw with Portugal and an assistant VAR during England’s 2-0 victory over Panama.
He was also part of the video team for Makhadmeh’s World Cup debut against Cape Verde.
Have the officials been involved in any controversial incidents?
Makhadmeh was criticised by Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus, according to Reuters, following the Saudi club’s 3-1 defeat by Al-Ahli in the 2025 AFC Champions League Elite semi-final.
Makhadmeh showed 11 yellow cards and sent off former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly for two bookable offences. Jesus said the referee had not been “at as good a level as the teams”, although he also accepted responsibility for the defeat.
Al-Marri was involved in a debated VAR intervention during Argentina’s 2-0 group-stage victory over Austria, when Lautaro Martinez went down inside the penalty area when Stefan Posch and Xaver Schlager tackled the Inter forward.
Referee Amin Omar initially allowed play to continue, Al-Marri recommended an on-field review and Omar awarded a penalty, despite replays appearing to show Posch making contact with the ball before Martinez was caught. Lionel Messi sent the resulting spot kick wide.