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The United States is one victory away from tying its most successful World Cup ever, having reached the quarterfinals once, in 2002.
With this victory, the Stars and Stripes are in the round of 16. The United States will face Belgium on Monday, July 6 on FOX at 8 p.m. ET (broadcast on FOX One).
The United States already knows how big an impact the referee can have on a match. In the 64th minute of the round of 16 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, American star striker Folarin Balogun was sent off with a controversial red card.
Folarin Balogun received a red card in the USA’s round of 16 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
And with that decision, Balogun was set to serve an automatic one-match suspension and miss the crucial match against Belgium.
However, in a stunning turn of events, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has ruled that Balogun will now be able to play in the round of 16.
So who is the referee in this crucial match?
Referee United States vs. Belgium
FIFA has appointed Jordanian official Adham Makhadmeh to referee the round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium.
Makhadmeh has been a FIFA international referee since 2013 and has spent over a decade refereeing FIFA World Cup qualifiers, AFC competitions and other major international tournaments. He also managed the first leg of the 2017 AFC Champions League final between Al Hilal and Urawa Red Diamonds, one of the biggest club matches in Asian football.
Adham Makhadmeh is the referee for the USA’s round of 16 match against Belgium (Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images).
The 39-year-old has been selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside two other Jordanian assistant referees.
He made his tournament debut in Spain’s Group H match against Cape Verde on 15 June before facing New Zealand against Belgium in the group stage on 26 June. He was then credited with England’s round of 16 victory over DR Congo on July 1, and now receives another high-profile knockout assignment with the United States and Belgium.
Known for his calm demeanor and ability to handle high-pressure matches, Makhadmeh has built a reputation as one of Asia’s most trusted referees.
Now, with the world watching, Makhadmeh will be the referee on Monday in Seattle as the United States looks to make history.
