The referee who will officiate the opening match of the 2026 World Cup has been determined. According to FIFA's announcement, Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio will blow the whistle in the Mexico vs. South Africa match to be played on June 11.
Sampaio will be assisted by Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia. Nicolas Gallo will serve as the VAR for the match, while Juan Lara and Jerome Brissard will serve as AVARs.
In the tournament's first match, one of the host teams, Mexico, will face South Africa. With the announcement of the referee appointments, the on-field management team for the opening match has also been clarified.
In some of the other appointments announced by FIFA, Egyptian referee Amin Mohamed was assigned to the South Korea vs. Czechia match, Argentine referee Facundo Tello to the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match, and Danny Makkelie to the United States vs. Paraguay match.
News Source: 12punto
