A Brazilian will be responsible for taking charge of the first game of the 2026 World Cup. Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio, from Goiás and a member of the FIFA board, was selected for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, which will take place next Thursday (11). The choice for an event of such visibility underlines the confidence of football’s highest entity in his trajectory, making it a highlight on digital platforms, where the professional is already well known.
This marks his third participation in a World Cup, having served as video referee (VAR) in the 2018 edition and making his debut on the field during the tournament in Qatar, in 2022.
In the composition of the refereeing team for the opening clash, Wilton Pereira Sampaio will have the support of assistants Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia. The role of fourth referee will be played by Juan Benitez, from Paraguay, while the VAR room will be attended by Juan Lara, from Chile.
Details of the career of referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio
With initial training at the Arbitration School of the Federal District Football Federation (EFAB) in 2000, the judge from Goiás joined the Goiás Football Federation (FGF) around 2010. His technical excellence quickly elevated him to FIFA recognition in 2013, and five years later, he was already part of the VAR team at the World Championship held in Russia.
The news of the Brazilian’s appointment to referee the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup quickly spread across social media, provoking a flood of reactions from fans who, already familiar with his figure, created new memes and celebrated the nickname that accompanies him on the internet: “the legend”.
In a gesture of recognition, the city council of Teresina de Goiás, Wilton Pereira’s hometown, also used its social networks to congratulate the referee for his important participation in the global tournament.
The municipality’s official post expressed: “It is a source of pride for all Teresina residents to see our municipality being represented in the 2026 World Cup. May its trajectory continue to inspire new generations and take the name of Teresina de Goiás even further.”
Throughout his career, Wilton Pereira Sampaio has accumulated experience in high-level competitions, including editions of the Copa América and Copa Libertadores. On the national scene, he was also present in important clashes in the Brazilian Championship and the Copa do Brasil.
For the 2026 World Cup, Brazil will also have the representation of referees Raphael Claus and Ramon Abatti Abel on the FIFA official roster.