Cesar Ramos to referee Scotland vs Brazil at the 2026 World Cup — and his history with both sides is complicated

Mexican referee Cesar Ramos will oversee Scotland vs Brazil in Group C of the 2026 World Cup at Miami Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 11pm British time.

Ramos will be assisted by fellow Mexicans Alberto Morin and Marco Bisguerra, while Norway’s Espen Eskas serves as the fourth official. VAR personnel are yet to be confirmed.

The appointment carries some historical intrigue for the Tartan Army. Ramos has previously refereed both Brazil and Morocco at World Cups, and on each occasion found himself at the centre of controversy.

At the 2018 tournament, Brazil lodged a formal complaint against Ramos after he declined to award a foul in the build-up to an opposition goal in their group-stage opener. Four years later at the 2022 semi-final between Morocco and France, Morocco alleged that Ramos had failed to award what they considered clear penalties, prompting another official complaint.

Scotland vs Brazil will be Ramos’ sixth match as a World Cup referee. He averages two bookings per game at the tournament, a notably lower figure than his domestic record — across 144 Liga MX appearances, he averages five bookings per game.

The stakes in Group C are significant. Brazil currently lead on four points, with Morocco second on the same tally but behind on goal difference. Scotland sit third on three points following their opening win over Haiti — the Tartan Army’s first World Cup victory in 36 years. A Scotland win, combined with a Haiti upset over Morocco, would see Steve Clarke’s side top the group.