CORNERFLICK
FIFA has appointed Michael Oliver to referee the World Cup 2026 quarter-final between Spain and Belgium on Friday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Oliver has already overseen seven official Spain matches, with La Roja winning four and drawing three. Spain have not lost in any game he has officiated, and his last assignment involving them was their 6-0 win over Turkey in World Cup qualifying.
Belgium also have a strong record under the English referee. The Red Devils have won both of the official matches he has taken charge of, and they will hope that run continues against Spain.
Oliver has officiated three matches at this tournament so far: Netherlands against Sweden, France against Norway in the group stage, and Canada against Morocco in the round of 16.
The quarter-final is one of the stand-out fixtures of the tournament, with the refereeing team expected to be closely watched as the route to the semi-finals is decided.