Makkelie to ref Paraguay's World Cup opener against USA
Referee named for the big one
Danny Makkelie will take charge of Paraguay's World Cup opener against the United States on Saturday. The Dutch referee has been assigned the Group H clash, which kicks off in the early hours of Saturday 13 June European time (2) (3). No real surprises here – Makkelie is one of UEFA's most experienced officials and no stranger to high-stakes tournament football.
Power rankings have their say
CBS Sports dropped their World Cup power rankings and the USMNT hold steady ahead of Saturday's opener against Paraguay (1). Where Paraguay land on that list isn't the point. What matters: the Americans are being talked about, not you. A quiet buildup suits Paraguay just fine – let the hosts carry the weight of expectation into Saturday.
Fan-reaktioner
Fans are already scrambling for details on the opening ceremony, with one Reddit thread asking about the schedule and musical acts ahead of the USA–Paraguay clash. The buzz is real – people want to know when to tune in. Read the full discussion here
Sources
- 1. cbssports.com — FIFA World Cup 2026 Power Rankings: USMNT hold steady ahead of opener vs. Paraguay: Portugal rise
- 2. sabah.com.tr — Amerika Birleşik Devletleri – Paraguay maçının hakemi açıklandı!
- 3. voetbalprimeur.nl — FIFA geeft duidelijkheid: dit is de eerste WK-wedstrijd van Danny Makkelie