The 'man in the middle' will play a crucial role at this summer's World Cup in every game - Goal brings you all you need to know
World Cup 2018 is kicking off in June and the 32 participating teams are busy finalising their preparations for the competition.
The tournament will see a total of 64 matches played as the best in the world collide and dozens of stars will be strutting their stuff on the biggest stage in the game.
However, while the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may be central to the action on the field, one man in particular is guaranteed to have an effect: the referee.