Irmatov to referee World Cup opener

Irmatov, who began his international career seven years ago, was in charge of the 2008 Club World Cup final between Manchester United and Liga de Quito.

Rafael Ilyasov of Uzbekistan and Bahadyr Kochkorov of Kyrgyzstan will be the assistant referees in Friday's game.

England's opening match against USA the following day will be officiated by Carlos Simon from Brazil, who took charge of England's first game at the 2002 World Cup.

Premier League referee Howard Webb - who took charge of the Champions League final last month - has been handed the task of refereeing European champions Spain's opening clash against Switzerland.

Referee: Carlos Alberto Batres (Guatemala), assistants: Leonel Leal (Costa Rica) and Carlos Pastrana (Honduras), fourth official: Peter O'Leary (New Zealand)