World Cup: Maurizio Mariani to Referee Brazil-Japan
The 2026 World Cup Round of 16 continues with a fascinating clash between Brazil and Japan at the NRG Stadium in Houston. FIFA has assigned Italian referee Maurizio Mariani to oversee this high-stakes encounter.
The 44-year-old official brings vast experience from Serie A and the Champions League. Brazil enters as the favorite against a disciplined Japanese side looking to cause an upset.
Article facts
| Category | Football |
|---|---|
| Published | |
| Language | en |
| Free | Free — headline and summary on this page; no account |
| Full text | Full article text is not hosted here; follow the publisher link |
| No SKU, GTIN or MPN | No SKU, GTIN or MPN — this is a news story, not a product |