FIFA has appointed Canadian referee Drew Fischer to officiate the Round of 32 match between Argentina and Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Fischer, a FIFA-listed referee since 2015 and regular in Major League Soccer, has overseen more than 200 MLS matches and several international fixtures. He has previously been involved in matches featuring Argentina captain Lionel Messi, adding familiarity with South American football at the top level.
His appointment has also drawn attention due to past criticism over his VAR role in a 2023 CONCACAF Nations League match, although no formal action was taken against him by football authorities.
Argentina will enter the knockout match as one of the title contenders, while Cape Verde continue their historic run in their first World Cup appearance. FIFA has confirmed the full officiating team for the fixture ahead of kick-off.
