Who is the referee for Switzerland vs Canada?

Jonathan David of Canada celebrates with Tajon Buchanan and Cyle Larin after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match against Qatar at BC Place Vancouver — Canada beat Qatar 6-0 in their second Group B game (Image credit: Getty Images)

Canada’s Group B finale against Switzerland is arguably a bigger game for the co-hosts than their opponents.

While the two teams - who are separated by Canada’s superior goal difference - will both want to top the group, Jesse Marsch’s side know they will continue playing their games on home soil only if they maintain their position at the summit.

Canada need a point to make that happen, so it promises to be a tense affair in Vancouver - and here’s the man who will take charge of the World Cup clash.

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Brazilian official to referee Switzerland vs Canada

Referee Ramon Abatti catches the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Seattle, Washington — Ramon Abatti will take charge of his second game at the tournament (Image credit: Getty Images)

Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti will officiate Switzerland vs Canada, with compatriots Danilo Manis and Rafael Alves alongside him as assistants.

At 36 years old, the South American is less experienced than some of his counterparts at the World Cup, but this will not be his first taste of the tournament.

Mohamed Salah #10 of Egypt speaks with referee Ramon Abatti during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Seattle, Washington — Abatti with Mo Salah during Egypt's draw with Belgium (Image credit: Getty Images)

Abatti took charge of Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt in Group G last Monday, handing out four yellow cards.

If this season is anything to go by he is reluctant to produce a red card, having dismissed just three players in his 29 games in 2025/26, according to transfermarkt.

While Abatti is less well-known internationally than other referees, he has officiated in Brazil’s Serie A for several seasons.

He also took charge of the men’s gold medal match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, in which Spain beat France 5-3 after extra-time at the Parc des Princes.

Peru’s Kevin Ortega is the fourth official for Switzerland’s clash with Canada, while compatriot Michael Orue is the reserve assistant referee.

Switzerland players celebrate Breel Embolo's goal vs Qatar in the World Cup — Switzerland are aiming to snatch top spot from Canada (Image credit: Getty Images)

Both Switzerland and Canada benefited from red cards for their opponents in their second Group B fixture.

The co-hosts beat Qatar 6-0, with Homam El Amin and Assim Omer Madibo sent off for Julen Lopetegui’s side - the latter for a foul that left Canada midfielder Ismael Kone with a badly broken leg.

Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic was dismissed late on against Switzerland, who were 1-0 up at the time and went on to win 4-1.

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James Roberts is a freelance sports journalist working for FourFourTwo and other titles. He started his career at the Oxford Mail, where he covered Oxford United home and away, before becoming a sports sub-editor for various national newspapers.