Ref at centre of Palmeiras fury v Flamengo gets World Cup opener | OneFootball

Which Brazilian referee will officiate the opening match of the 2026 World Cup?

Brazilian refereeing is always a topic of debate in the sports news. However, this Monday (08), the profession received major news. That is because Wilton Pereira Sampaio was chosen to officiate the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

Wilton Pereira Sampaio (GO) will be the man in the middle for the match between Mexico and South Africa, which takes place on Thursday (11), at 4 p.m. (Brasília time), at the Azteca Stadium. In addition to the main referee, the officiating team will include Brazilians Bruno Pires (GO) and Bruno Boschilia (PR) as assistant referees.

ARE THERE MORE BRAZILIAN REFEREES AT THE WORLD CUP?

Besides the trio mentioned for the opening match, Brazil will be represented by other referees during the World Cup. Raphael Claus (SP) and Ramon Abatti Abel (SC) are also part of the list. Finally, Danilo Manis (SP), Rodrigo Figueiredo (RJ), and Rafael Alves (RS) are listed as available assistant referees.

DO PALMEIRAS FANS HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST WILTON PEREIRA SAMPAIO?

Wilton Pereira Sampaio has already been involved in some recent controversies in Brazilian football. One of them, in fact, happened in a match between Flamengo and Palmeiras, in last season’s Brasileirão.

On that occasion, Palmeiras fans were upset with Wilton because he did not award a penalty for Gustavo Gómez early in the match at the Maracanã. After that, Flamengo dominated their rival and won the match 3-2.

WHEN IS BRAZIL’S WORLD CUP DEBUT?

While Wilton makes his debut this Thursday (11), Brazil’s squad will take the field next Saturday (13) against Morocco, at 7 p.m. (Brasília time), in New Jersey. Therefore, Coluna do Fla TV, as usual, will show the match details on YouTube, as well as on the website and social media.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.