Italian referee Maurizio Mariani and his assistants have been assigned to the World Cup Round of 32 match between Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil and Japan.
Brazil topped their group after a 1-1 draw with Morocco, then 3-0 victories against both Haiti and Scotland.
Japan were runners up in their group thanks to draws against the Netherlands and Sweden, around a 4-0 thumping of Tunisia.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Referee Maurizio Mariani reacts during the Coppa Italia Final match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
So far, he has officiated the 1-1 draw between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, plus Colombia’s 1-0 victory over DR Congo.
He will be wielding the whistle in the Brazil vs. Japan fixture, aided by assistant referees Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni.
The fourth official is Sandro Scharer of Switzerland.