Wilton Sampaio to referee Netherlands vs Morocco at World Cup 2026 last 16

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio will take charge of the Netherlands vs Morocco last-16 clash at the 2026 World Cup in Monterrey, with the match representing one of the standout ties of the opening knockout round.

Sampaio is already one of the more talked-about officials at this tournament after sending off three players — South Africa’s Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane, plus Mexico’s Cesar Montes — during the co-hosts’ 2-0 victory over Mexico at the Azteca in the group stage. His second assignment was considerably calmer: he oversaw Norway’s 3-2 win over Senegal without producing a single card.

England supporters will recognise the 44-year-old from the 2022 World Cup, where he refereed England’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat to France in Qatar.

Sampaio will be assisted by fellow Brazilians Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia on the lines. Chile’s Cristian Garay has been named as fourth official, with compatriot Jose Retamal serving as reserve official. Details of the VAR crew had not been confirmed at the time of writing.

The Netherlands arrive in Monterrey as Group F winners despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opener. Emphatic victories over Sweden and Tunisia were enough to see them through at the top. Morocco, meanwhile, finished second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference, having also recorded two wins and a draw across the opening phase.

The tie pits a Dutch side that has reached three World Cup finals against a Moroccan team that made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.