One Dutch referee still in contention for World Cup final, says Makkelie

At 13:28 today, referee Danny Makkelie and his assistants Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries completed their World Cup duties in the United States of America. The KNVB announced that the trio will no longer be active in the tournament. Despite their exit, one Dutch official still has a chance to work the World Cup final. The remaining candidate is VAR Dennis Higler, who stays on the arbitration staff through the tournament’s closing stages. Makkelie, Steegstra and de Vries oversaw three matches: the United States‑Paraguay group game, the Morocco‑Haiti group game, and the France‑Sweden knockout clash. Their assignments spanned the group phase and the first knockout round.

End of World Cup for Makkelie as Dutch referee misses knockout stage

The Dutch referee team returned home proud of their Dutch World Cup adventure. Makkelie said on the KNVB website, “We look back with great pride and a good feeling on our performances… we gave everything every day and received positive feedback.” Raymond van Meenen, manager of referee affairs for professional football at the KNVB, praised Higler’s continued involvement. He remarked, “That Dennis remains part of the arbitration corps for the final stage of the World Cup is a nice recognition.”

Haaland revels in Miami while Dutch internationals enjoy World Cup holidays

Higler will remain in the United States until the tournament concludes. His presence keeps a Dutch representative in contention for the final match.