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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?
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.
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.
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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 .
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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