Adham Makhadmeh from Jordan has been appointed as the referee for the upcoming World Cup clash between England and DR Congo.

The match official, representing the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), will take charge of this crucial fixture as both nations aim to progress beyond the knockout stages. England, still unbeaten in the tournament, will be wary of a DR Congo side that has shown resilience throughout their campaign.

DR Congo have impressed with their performances so far, holding Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo to a 1-1 draw in their group opener. They then narrowly lost to Colombia before sealing a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan. With Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa leading their attacking efforts, the African side will look to trouble England with quick counter-attacks and disciplined defending.

For England, a potential round-of-16 tie at the Azteca Stadium awaits should they advance, but Thomas Tuchel’s men must first navigate the challenge posed by DR Congo, who have already proven to be tough opponents.

Referee Adham Makhadmeh, aged 39, has already officiated two matches at this World Cup. He was in charge of Spain’s goalless draw against Cape Verde and Belgium’s 5-1 victory over New Zealand during the group stage. Across those matches, he issued two yellow cards in each but managed them without any major controversies.

Makhadmeh has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2013 and brings substantial international experience. He has previously officiated at both the Asian Cup and the Arab Cup, including the quarter-final encounter between Algeria and the UAE in the latter competition last year.

During the 2025/26 season, Makhadmeh averaged 4.7 cards per game across 18 fixtures, reflecting a balanced yet authoritative approach to match management.

For the England vs DR Congo match, Makhadmeh will be assisted by fellow Jordanians Mohammed Khalaf and Ahmad Al-Roalle as his assistant referees. Saudi Arabian official Khalid Al-Turais will serve as the fourth official, completing the officiating team.

England’s consistent form at the World Cup continues to build optimism, but they will need to maintain focus against a spirited DR Congo side. With Makhadmeh at the centre, both teams will hope for a fair and well-managed contest.