Portugal vs Colombia promises to be a fascinating game for a host of reasons.
First, Portugal can ascend the Group K table ladder with a win, currently on four points to Colombia's six.
Secondly, Cristiano Ronaldo is back amongst the goals and looking to surge up the Golden Boot table at the 2026 World Cup; but who is the referee for this evening's clash?
Who is the referee for Portugal vs Colombia in Group K at the 2026 World Cup?
Portugal vs Colombia will kick off at 12:30am British time in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Overseeing the clash, held at the Hard Rock Stadium, is Australian referee Alireza Faghani.
He will be joined by fellow countrymen George Lakrindis and James Lindsay, who will serve as assistant referees.
Honduran officials will join the team, with Said Martinez serving as the fourth official, and Walter Lopez stepping in as the reserve assistant referee.
The Aussie official was a source of controversy during France's 3-1 win against Senegal at the 2026 World Cup, failing to award what appeared to be a clear-cut penalty on Kylian Mbappe.
Faghani previously refereed one of the World Cup's greatest games: France vs Argentina, the precursor to the 2022 final, back in 2018.
The match, ending 4-3 to the latter, saw eight bookings given and a penalty awarded for France after 13 minutes.
The Australian also served as referee for one of the greatest FIFA Club World Cup games ever: Chelsea's 3-0 final demolition of PSG last summer, also in the United States.
Faghani boasts an extraordinary career, and his booking average exceeds over four per match.
The Aussie has refereed 119 A-League matches, 62 AFC Champions League Elite clashes, and three Olympics Games face-offs.
