FIFA has named Wilton Sampaio as the referee for the 2026 World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa, scheduled for June 11, 2026, at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca. It’s a historic appointment: Sampaio becomes the first Brazilian referee to officiate a World Cup opener.
An all-Brazilian crew and a familiar World Cup script
Sampaio won’t be working alone. FIFA appointed an entirely Brazilian officiating crew for the match, with Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia serving as assistant referees. Paraguay’s Juan Gabriel Benítez rounds out the team as fourth official.
The Mexico vs. South Africa Group A matchup carries an echo of recent history. The 2010 World Cup in South Africa opened with the exact same fixture.
The 2026 tournament itself represents a massive expansion for FIFA. Co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, the competition grows from 32 to 48 teams for the first time.
