2022 World Cup: Olathe ref to debut in France vs Australia

A general view of the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. Qatar has built eight stadiums for this World Cup and created an entire new city of Lusail where the final will be held. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

by: Juan Cisneros

Posted: Nov 22, 2022 / 12:25 PM CST

Updated: Nov 22, 2022 / 12:34 PM CST

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DOHA, Qatar — Kyle Atkins, a PRO Referee from Olathe, Kansas, is set to debut at the 2022 FIFA World Cup when France take on Australia at Al Janoub Stadium on November 22.

Atkins is one of fiv e referees selected from the United States that will be in Qatar during the tournament.

He will be the offside video assistant referee (OVAR) in the VAR room when France and Australia kick off at 1 p.m.

Atkins has been an MLS referee since 2014 and has been on the FIFA Panel since 2018.

He will debut as a field ref on Thursday, November 24, when he joins fellow American head referee Ismail Elfath as his assistant when Portugal take on Ghana at 10 a.m.