Who will be the referee in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Brazil and Japan?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will see another high-profile match when Brazil takes on Japan in a round of 32 on Monday.

It will be the first time the two teams have played in the United States of America, with their last match ending in Japan’s favor last year.

Who will be the referee in Brazil vs Japan in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Italian referee Maurizio Mariani will officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan.

Mariani was the only European referee at the 2024 Copa America. Since 2013 he has been active in Serie A, the top division of Italian men’s football. The 42-year-old made his debut in the UEFA Champions League, Europe’s elite men’s club competition, in 2022-2023.

Mariani has been a FIFA listed referee since 2019 and a UEFA elite category referee since 2024.

The Italian has officiated high-profile matches including the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League Final and the 2025 Coppa Italia Final.

The 44-year-old will officiate in his third match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having officiated the opening Group H match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, as well as the Group K match between Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Full list of match officials in Brazil vs Japan in Round 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

• Referee – Maurizio Mariani (Italy)

• Assistant Referee 1 – Daniele Bindoni (Italy)

• Assistant Referee 2 – Alberto Tegoni (Italy)

• Fourth Official – Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)

• Video Assistant Referee (VAR) – Marco Di Bello (Italy)

Published on June 29, 2026