FIFA has appointed Wilton Pereira Sampaio of Brazil to officiate the must-watch Round of 32 game between the Netherlands and Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The knockout match will be played at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico, with a place in the Round of 16 on the line.
Sampaio previously officiated the opening matches between Mexico and South Africa, during which he set a historic record by issuing 3 red cards, and the group-stage game between Norway and Senegal, and now receives his third appointment as the main referee at the tournament.
Main Referee for Netherlands vs. Morocco: Wilton Sampaio
- Full Name: Wilton Pereira Sampaio
- Nationality: Brazil
- Born: December 28, 1981
- Age: 44
- Birthplace: Teresina de Goiás, Brazil
- FIFA-listed referee since: 2013
Refereeing Style and Disciplinary Profile
- Maintains strict control from the opening whistle, frequently relies on strong communication while enforcing the Laws of the Game.
- Is not afraid to issue yellow or red cards when challenges become reckless.
- Average yellow cards: around 5.19 per match (high average).
- Average red cards: around 0.15 per match.
Career Achievements
- 2022 FIFA World Cup.
- 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Regular referee in the Copa Libertadores.
- 2021 Copa América Final.
Career Controversies
- 2022 FIFA World Cup - England vs. France: Sampaio received heavy criticism from England fans after several penalty appeals involving Harry Kane were not awarded.
- 2026 FIFA World Cup - Mexico vs. South Africa: His opening match at the tournament made headlines after he showed 3 red cards in an intensely physical encounter, setting a new record for a World Cup opener.
Full Officiating Crew for Netherlands vs. Morocco
- Referee: Wilton Pereira Sampaio (Brazil)
- Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Pires (Brazil)
- Assistant Referee 2: Bruno Boschilia (Brazil)
- Fourth Official: Cristián Garay (Chile)
- Reserve Assistant Referee: José Retamal (Chile
