Brazilian team leads 2026 World Cup opener

Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio will officiate the Mexico vs. South Africa match at the opening of the 2026 World Cup, which will take place at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. This is Sampaio's third World Cup appearance, having previously participated in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that overseeing the tournament's opening match reflects the strength and international stature of Brazilian refereeing.