FIFA World Cup 2026: Who is the referee Adham Makhadmeh, Spain vs Cape Verde? List of officials, VAR

Spain starts its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Cape Verde at the Atlanta Stadium on June 15.

The Group H match marks Cape Verde’s first-ever match at the World Cup, with Spain entering the tournament as reigning European champions.

Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh will officiate the match, with compatriots Mohammad Al-Kalaf and Ahmad Al-Roalle as assistant referees.

Who is Adham Makhadmeh and what is his refereeing record?

Adham Makhadmeh is a Jordanian referee who has been on the FIFA international list since 2013. The 39-year-old was born in Irbid, Jordan, and has featured in several AFC and FIFA competitions over the past decade.

The match between Spain and Cape Verde will be Makhadmeh’s first match as a referee at the senior FIFA World Cup. He previously competed at the Tokyo Olympics and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland in 2019.

At club level, Makhadmeh has taken charge of more than 55 AFC Champions League matches, including the 2017 final between Al Hilal and Urawa Red Diamonds. According to BeSoccer data cited by ASHe has averaged 4.61 yellow cards per game this season, suggesting he is not a referee who hesitates to reach for his pocket when necessary.

Full list of officials for the match between Spain and Cape Verde on June 15:

• Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan)

• Assistant referee 1: Mohammad Al-Kalaf (Jordan)

• Assistant Referee 2: Ahmad Al-Roalle (Jordan)

• Fourth official: Andres Rojas (Colombia)

• Video assistant referee: Joseph Dickerson (USA)

Published on June 15, 2026