Japan vs Sweden will be one of the more intriguing final group stage fixtures of the World Cup, even if the result seems pre-determined.
The Japanese rarely fail to impress on the world stage, having held the Netherlands to a draw in their opening fixture, then battered Tunisia by their highest ever margin of victory the following game.
Sweden also enjoyed a comprenhensive victory over Tunisia, but were blown away by the Dutch in a 5-1 defeat; in tonight's battle for knockout stage progression, who is the referee?
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Who is the referee for Japan vs Sweden in Group F at the 2026 World Cup?
Japan vs Sweden will kick off at 12am British time, and will be played at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The referee for the fixture, as both sides battle to guarantee knockout stage progression, is Salvador's Ivan Arcides Barton Cisneros.
Joining him is fellow countrymen David Moran and Nicaragua's Antonio Pupiro, who will serve as assistant referees.
Dahane Beida will operate as the fourth official, while Jerson Santos is available as the reserve assistant referee.
Barton has prior experience on the World Cup stage, having refereed at the 2022 edition.
The 35-year-old previously officiated Japan against Germany, with the former winning 2-1, at the last tournament, and also refereed England's 3-0 victory against Senegal in the Round of 16.
On this stage, Barton has refereed four matches, averaging a low 1.5 bookings per game.
In addition, he issues red or awards a spot kick once every four matches at the World Cup.
In the Saudi Pro League and CONCACAF tournaments, Barton's booking average increases to between four and five per game.
The 35-year-old previously officiated Paraguay's 1-0 win against Turkey this tournament, where Miguel Almiron was sent off, the first ever, for covering the mouth.
