Joao Pinheiro to referee Switzerland vs Bosnia as both sides chase first World Cup 2026 win

Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro will officiate Switzerland’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with both nations desperate for a first win of the tournament after opening-round draws.

Pinheiro is a highly experienced official who has taken charge of matches in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League, and the Saudi Pro League. He also refereed Tottenham Hotspur’s 2025 Super Cup defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. Despite this being his first appearance at the 2026 World Cup, Pinheiro has been on FIFA’s international list since 2019, when he oversaw his first senior international fixture between Brazil and Panama.

His career record reflects a strict approach to discipline: across 440 matches, Pinheiro has issued 1,980 yellow cards and 45 red cards, averaging approximately five bookings per game — a figure both sets of players will want to keep in mind.

Assisting Pinheiro on the lines will be his Portuguese compatriots Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia, while fellow Portuguese official Tiago Martins serves as Video Assistant Referee. Japanese official Yusuke Araki takes the fourth official role, with Jun Mihara acting as reserve assistant referee.

Switzerland enter the match having led against Qatar in their opener, only to be pegged back late on by Miro Muheim’s equaliser after Breel Embolo had converted a penalty to give the Swiss the advantage. Bosnia find themselves in a near-identical position, having taken the lead against host nation Canada before conceding a leveller in the 78th minute.

A victory for either side would go a long way towards securing qualification from Group B, making this a pivotal fixture in the early stages of the tournament.