The opening Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 World Cup is being handled by an experienced and closely watched refereeing team, led by Brazilian official Wilton Sampaio.
FIFA chose a highly experienced crew for the tournament opener at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a match already under global spotlight due to its historic significance.
Main referee: Wilton Sampaio
Wilton Sampaio is one of FIFA’s most experienced referees, and this match marks his third World Cup appearance as an on-field referee.
- Age: 44
- Nationality: Brazil
- FIFA badge since: 2013
- World Cups: 2018, 2022, 2026
- Role evolution: VAR official (2018) → on-field referee (2022, 2026)
He has officiated at the highest levels of football, including Copa Libertadores, Copa América, FIFA World Cup tournaments
Sampaio is widely known within CONMEBOL circles as a top-tier official, but also one of the more debated referees because of his many high-profile decisions in major matches.
Sampaio’s career is not just defined by experience, but also by debate.
He was part of the original VAR group at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Is one of Brazil’s top referees in domestic football by 2012, amd a regular appointment in major international tournaments for over a decade.
Criticism in recent tournaments
Some of the most discussed moments include:
- England vs France (2022 World Cup): Criticised for failing to punish key French challenges and for a missed penalty appeal involving Harry Kane. The performance drew strong backlash from analysts and players.
- Poland vs Saudi Arabia (2022 World Cup): Questioned for awarding a contentious penalty after a VAR review and for not issuing a second yellow card in a separate incident.
- Brazil domestic league: Frequently described as a polarising figure in South American football discussions, with debates over consistency.
Despite criticism, FIFA continues to assign him major fixtures, showing strong trust in his overall control of games.
Full refereeing team for Mexico vs South Africa
FIFA appointed a multinational support team for the opening fixture:
- Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Pires (Brazil)
- Assistant Referee 2: Bruno Boschilia (Brazil)
- Fourth Official: Juan Gabriel Benítez (Paraguay)
- VAR: Nicolás Gallo (Colombia)
- Assistant VAR: Juan Lara (Chile)
- Support VAR: Jérôme Brisard (France)
Live match update (Mexico vs South Africa)
Referee Wilton Sampaio made World Cup history by giving 3 red cards during Mexico's 2-0 win over South Africa. His strict control transformed this opening match into a massive story about referee authority.
- Mexico led 1-0 after an early VAR-reviewed goal by Julián Quiñones
- Sampaio used the monitor in the 8th minute to confirm the decision
Yellow cards issued:
- Teboho Mokoena (South Africa, 16’)
- Brian Gutiérrez (Mexico, 22’)
Red cards issued:
- Sphephelo Sithole (South Africa, 49’)
- Themba Zwane (South Africa, 83’)
- César Montes (Mexico, 90’+1)
This chaotic match set a new disciplinary record for a tournament opener, meaning all three players are now suspended for their upcoming Group A matches.
