Controversial Sampaio named referee for World Cup 2026 opener between Mexico and South Africa

Wilton Sampaio will take charge of the World Cup 2026 opening match between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, FIFA has confirmed. The Brazilian referee’s appointment brings renewed scrutiny given the controversy that followed his handling of England’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat to France at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Sampaio, 44, brings considerable experience to the role, having officiated more than 250 matches across domestic and international football. He was also part of FIFA’s inaugural Video Assistant Referee team introduced at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, underlining his standing within the global officiating hierarchy.

However, his reputation took a hit after England’s elimination in Qatar, where several contentious decisions went against the Three Lions. It was widely suggested that Sampaio failed to award fouls against France for challenges on Bukayo Saka and Mason Mount, and declined to give a penalty for what many felt was a foul on Harry Kane.

England defender Harry Maguire was among those to publicly criticise the official after the defeat. “I think the referee’s decision-making throughout the game was really poor,” Maguire told BBC Sport. “There were so many decisions in that first half where they made five, six early fouls. Bukayo’s is a clear foul leading up to their first goal. Big moments, big decisions, you expect to get some right but unfortunately tonight we didn’t get any.”

Sampaio will be assisted at the Estadio Azteca by fellow Brazilians Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia. Juan Gabriel Benítez of Paraguay will serve as fourth official, with compatriot Eduardo Cardozo named as reserve referee should Sampaio be unable to complete the match.

The fixture serves as the opening game of Group A and marks the start of a World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the first edition to feature 48 teams.