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Tonight’s Norway vs France encounter will be officiated by Michael Oliver, a highly regarded referee from England.

Both Norway and France have already confirmed their progression to the round of 32, meaning tonight’s contest is more about securing the top position in the group rather than qualification.

Adding extra intrigue is the presence of two of the world’s most prolific goalscorers, each with ambitions for the Golden Boot. However, that competition will not concern Oliver as he takes charge in Boston.

It’s a familiar face in the centre not only for supporters in the United Kingdom but also for Norway’s star striker Erling Haaland—one of those goal-hungry forwards—and several other players with English Premier League experience.

English referee Michael Oliver has been on the FIFA list since 2012 and earned promotion to the UEFA Elite Referee panel in 2018.

The 41-year-old began his World Cup campaign later than most, officiating in the Netherlands’ 5-1 victory over Sweden in Group F. During that match, he issued three yellow cards—all to Swedish players who ply their trade in the Premier League.

Oliver’s impressive résumé includes refereeing two FA Cup finals and a UEFA Super Cup. This tournament is his fourth major international event, following his debut at the European Championship in 2021.

He also officiated three matches at the 2022 World Cup, including the high-profile quarter-final between Brazil and Croatia.

During the 2025–26 Premier League season, Oliver oversaw 29 matches. He issued two red cards—one to Lesley Ugochukwu of Burnley for two bookable offences, and another to Cristian Romero for serious foul play during Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Across those fixtures, Oliver produced 89 yellow cards, averaging just over three per game.

Assisting Oliver in Boston are fellow Englishmen Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring, while Ma Ning from China serves as the fourth official.