The report says Makhadmeh, a -listed referee since 2013, has already overseen Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde and Belgium’s victory over New Zealand. Both matches reportedly ended with two yellow cards, while neither produced a major controversy.
That record points to an official accustomed to the tournament environment without becoming the central storyline. His wider experience includes Asian Cup and Arab Cup matches, giving him a substantial background before a fixture carrying significant pressure.
For Thomas Tuchel’s England, the match has clear competitive importance. A victory would keep them on course in the group and could set up a possible away last-16 meeting at the Azteca, if the reported tournament pathway holds.
DR Congo have already shown they can frustrate stronger opponents. The report says they opened with a 1-1 draw against Portugal, suffered a narrow defeat by Colombia, then beat Uzbekistan 3-1. That sequence underlines a team capable of defending compactly before attacking quickly after turnovers.
Yoane Wissa is expected to be one of DR Congo’s most dangerous outlets. The Newcastle United forward offers direct running and movement in behind, posing a particular threat if England commit numbers forward.
England’s task will therefore extend beyond controlling possession. Their rest defence must be organised enough to prevent Wissa and DR Congo’s other attackers turning clearances into fast counter-attacks.
The next storyline is whether Makhadmeh’s reported low-card profile continues in a higher-stakes contest, and whether England can impose control before DR Congo’s transition game becomes decisive.