Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio will be in charge of the Fifa World Cup opener between hosts Mexico and Bafana Bafana on Thursday.
An all Brazilian contingent will officiate Bafana Bafana’s Fifa World Cup opening game against hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11 (kickoff 9pm SA time).
The highly anticipated fixture will kick off the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio is the main man entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the historic encounter. Sampaio is one of South America’s most experienced match officials, having established a strong reputation on the international stage, having officiated at major Fifa and CONMEBOL competitions, including the 2022 Fifa World Cup.
He will be assisted by fellow Brazilians Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia, who have regularly formed part of his officiating team during international assignments.
