Adham Makhadmeh from Jordan is the referee for England vs DR Congo.
A potential away last-16 tie at the Azteca would be a real test for Thomas Tuchel’s team, but first they must overcome a DR Congo side that have proved dogged opposition at the World Cup so far.
The African outfit held Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo to a 1-1 draw in their group opener, before a narrow defeat to Colombia and a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, and they will hope to frustrate England while threatening on the counter through Newcastle United’s Yoane Wissa.
Play our free match predictor below and win £1k
Referee appointment for England vs DR Congo
A referee from the AFC federation will take charge of England vs DR Congo.
Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh is the chosen official for the match, having so far overseen two games at the World Cup.
The 39-year-old previously refereed Spain’s goalless draw against Cape Verde and Belgium’s 5-1 win over New Zealand in the group stage.
He handed out two yellow cards in both matches, but they were largely free of any controversial incidents.
Makhadmeh has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2013.
He has refereed games at both the Asian Cup and Arab Cup, taking charge of the quarter-final between Algeria and the UAE at the latter tournament last year.
In the 2025/26 season, Makhadmeh showed an average of 4.7 cards per match, across 18 games.
Makhadmeh will be joined by compatriots Mohammed Khalaf and Ahmad Al-Roalle as the assistant referees for England vs DR Congo.
Saudi Arabian Khalid Al-Turais will be the fourth official.
