Welshman Nigel Owens will referee the opening World Cup game between Japan and Russia in Tokyo on September 20.
Refereeing appointments for all 40 pool matches have been announced by World Rugby, with vastly-experienced Owens again taking centre-stage after controlling New Zealand's 2015 World Cup final victory over Australia at Twickenham.
New Zealander Paul Williams will be in charge of England's first World Cup fixture against Tonga in Sapporo two days later.
England's other group matches against the United States, Argentina and France have been awarded to Australian Nic Berry, Owens and South African Jaco Peyper, respectively.
Six Nations champions Wales launch their World Cup campaign against Georgia in Toyota City on September 23, when England's Luke Pearce will be at the helm.
Romain Poite will be in the middle for Wales' potentially-pivotal pool appointment with Australia, while their remaining games against Fiji and Uruguay go to Poite's fellow Frenchman Jerome Garces and Australian Angus Gardner.
Garces will also be in charge for the opening weekend's heavyweight showdown between Rugby Championship rivals New Zealand and South Africa in Yokohama.
And top English referee Wayne Barnes, who is set to retire from officiating after the tournament, has been handed the all-Six Nations clash between Scotland and Ireland.
World Rugby's match officials chairman Anthony Buchanan said: "Each referee has at least three pool matches, and the selections have been made with optimal preparation in mind.
"There is a great deal of excitement within the group, and they are working extremely hard to ensure clear and consistent decision-making in all respects."