Wilton Sampaio, the Brazilian referee assigned to the opening match of the 2026 World Cup between Mexico and South Africa, is no stranger to controversy. Four years after his divisive performance in Qatar, the match official is once again under scrutiny.
Controversial History
Sampaio has officiated over 250 games across domestic and international competitions, including England's 2022 quarter-final loss to France. That match drew widespread criticism from English players and fans, despite Sampaio awarding two penalties in England's favor. Observers believed the referee missed multiple incidents, including fouls on Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane that could have ruled out France's opening goal.
At the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Sampaio did not award a free-kick for either incident, though he did point to the spot in the second half after Saka was fouled in the box. Minutes after Olivier Giroud restored France's lead, Sampaio awarded another penalty for England, but only after consulting the VAR monitor to review a foul on Mason Mount. Harry Kane missed the spot kick, and England were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
Player and Pundit Reactions
After the match, England defender Harry Maguire expressed his frustration: "Really poor, very poor. From minute one: five, six fouls in the first 15 minutes, not one yellow card. For me, it's a foul for the first goal, on Bukayo. I can't really go into explaining how bad his performance really was. I don't want to go into too much, because I'll end up getting fined, but it was really, really poor."
Gary Neville, working as a pundit for ITV, also criticized Sampaio: "The referee, I thought he had an absolute nightmare. An absolute joke of a referee. I am not saying that was all down to England's defeat, people will say that's excuses, but he was just a bad referee. Rank, bad."
2026 World Cup Assignment
Despite the backlash, Sampaio has been awarded the opening match of the 2026 tournament. He will be joined by fellow Brazilian assistants Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia, with Paraguayan Juan Gabriel Benítez as the fourth official. The VAR team will be led by Colombian Nicolas Gallo, supported by Frenchman Jerome Brisard and Chilean Juan Lara.
Mexico vs South Africa kicks off on Thursday, June 11 at 8pm, following an opening ceremony featuring Shakira and Burna Boy.
