Netherlands still present at World Cup: referee gets semifinal role

The Netherlands is still represented at the 2026 World Cup. Although the national team has been eliminated, a Dutch referee will officiate in the semifinal. This is a special development for Dutch football.

Who is the referee?

The Dutch referee who will officiate in the semifinal is Danny Makkelie. He is an experienced official and has officiated several important matches, including the 2014 Champions League final. Makkelie is one of the best referees in the world, and his appointment for the semifinal is a great honor for Dutch football.

What does this mean for the Netherlands?

Although the national team is no longer in action at the World Cup, it is a consolation that a Dutch referee still plays an important role. It shows that Dutch football still plays a major role off the field. Moreover, it is a nice recognition of the quality of Dutch referees.

What comes next?

The Netherlands is already looking ahead to the next match. The national team will play at home against Germany on September 24, 2026. This is an important match in the lead-up to Euro 2028. The Netherlands is unbeaten in the last five matches, with three wins and two draws. The last match was a 1-1 draw against Morocco on June 30, 2026.