Who is the referee for Netherlands vs Sweden?

Virgil van Dijk looking sombre before the international friendly against Uzbekistan — Netherlands vs Sweden in Group F at the 2026 World Cup will be played this evening, but who is the referee? (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Netherlands are looking to follow in the footsteps of past World Cup victors who have started the tournament without a win, but gone on to prevail as world champions.

Ronald Koeman's men endured a 2-2 stalemate with Japan in their opening Group F clash against Japan, and look to get their first victory of the 2026 edition this evening against Sweden.

The Swedes will enter the match in superior form, comprehensively beating Tunisia 5-1 in their opener - but who is the referee?

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Who is the referee for Netherlands vs Sweden in Group F at the 2026 World Cup?

Liverpool and Netherlands international Cody Gakpo with an arm extended, looking tired. — Netherlands could jump to first in the Group F standings with a win this evening. (Image credit: Getty Images)

The match will be played at 6PM UK time this evening, with British viewers able to watch the BBC broadcast for the event.

England's Michael Oliver, loved and hated for his career as an official in the Premier League, will serve as referee for the match.

Michael Oliver with his arm raised and a mic over his mouth. — England's Michael Oliver will serve as referee for the match. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Oliver will be joined by fellow countrymen Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring as assistant referees for the clash.

South Africa's Abongile Tom will serve as the fourth official, and his fellow countryman Zakhele Siwela is the reserve assistant referee.

Oliver is known predominantly for his work in the Premier League and Champions League, regularly overseeing games of high importance.

The 41-year-old shows, on average, 3.4 bookings per game, and isn't shy when it comes to awarding penalties.

Oliver awards a spot kick once every three to four games, and shows red every seven matches in the Premier League.

The English referee has previously officiated at the World Cup, as well as the UEFA Nations League and European Championship.

At the World Cup 2022, Oliver was appointed as referee for three games, the most notable being Croatia's quarter-final tie vs Brazil.

Referee Michael Oliver gestures during the 2022 World Cup quarter-final match between Croatia and Brazil in Qatar. — Michael Oliver has officiated previously at the 2022 World Cup, including Croatia's quarter-final clash against Brazil. (Image credit: Alamy)

The 41-year-old refereed Everton's 3-3 thriller draw with Manchester City in last year's top-flight title race, in which an admitted mistake was made against Everton while the Toffees were leading.

Oliver also officiated Bayern Munich's 2-1 away victory against Real Madrid earlier this year, in the Champions League knock-outs.

In the event of a Dutch victory, Netherlands could leapfrog Sweden in tonight's game, ascending to first in the Group F standings on four points.

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Kedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC, he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television, you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.