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Meet Wilton Sampaio: The Referee for Mexico's 2026 World Cup Opener

KVIA••CNN Newsource
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As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Mexico will kick off the tournament against South Africa, with Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio officiating the match. At 44 years old, Sampaio has been a FIFA referee since 2013 and has officiated 26 matches in Brazil this year alone. Although he has limited experience with Mexican teams, having refereed only three matches involving them, his previous World Cup experience includes officiating four games in Qatar 2022. Notably, he tends to issue fewer yellow cards, averaging less than four per match during World Cup play, which could influence the game's dynamics. Fans and players alike will be watching closely as Sampaio takes charge in this high-stakes opening match.

Key Details: • Match date: Thursday, June 8, 2026, against South Africa • Sampaio has officiated three matches involving Mexican teams • He has experience from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar • Sampaio averages less than four yellow cards per World Cup match

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Wilton Sampaio

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