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After Portugal's big win over Uzbekistan, Colombia know they need a win against DR Congo to return to the top of Group K.
Colombia impressed in their opening game with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, but will face a sterner test against African outfit DR Congo.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 3 a.m. BST at Guadalajara Stadium, but who will be the referee and who is supporting him on the sidelines and in VAR?
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Referee for Colombia vs DR Congo
Maurizio Mariani will be the referee for the Colombia vs DR Congo clash in Group K.
The Italian official has already overseen one game during World Cup 2026: a 1-1 draw between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Interestingly, there was only one yellow card shown during that match.
Mariani works in Serie A predominantly. He was given FIFA international status in 2019 and was promoted to the UEFA Elite category in 2024.
Over the past 12 months, Mariani has officiated 32 games across all competitions. He shows an average of 3.34 yellow cards per game, which is relatively standard, but he is clearly reluctant to brandish a red, with just two shown in the last year.
He is usually a little more trigger-happy with his cards, though. Over his whole career, Mariani averages at 4.25 yellows and 0.25 red cards per game.
Mariani was the man in the middle for the UEFA Europa Conference League final this summer, where Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano.
Alongside Mariani at Guadalajara Stadium will be compatriots Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni as assistants. Juan Calderon of Costa Rica is the fourth official. Juan Mora is on reserve in case he's called into action on-field.
