FIFA Confirms Match Officials For Mexico-South Africa World Cup Opening Match

World Cup 2026 Opener Set: Mexico Face South Africa at the Azteca

The Federation of International Football Associations has confirmed Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio as the match official for the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa in Group A. The match is scheduled for June 11 at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, the stadium commonly known as the Azteca.

Sampaio, who began his refereeing career at age 15 after qualifying in 2000, brings extensive experience to the tournament’s first fixture. He has officiated several high-profile matches in recent years and was part of the Video Assistant Referee team when VAR was introduced at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He also took charge of games at the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Sampaio will be assisted by fellow Brazilians Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia.

Full Appointment – Mexico vs South Africa

Three African match officials have been appointed for the second Group A game between Korea Republic and Czech Republic at Estadio Guadalajara. Egyptian lawyer Amin Mohamed will lead the officiating team. The 40-year-old will be assisted by his compatriots Abouelregal Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel as first assistant referee and Ibrahim Ahmed Hossameldin Taha as second assistant referee.

Korea Republic and Czech Republic last met in a friendly at Eden Arena in Prague in 2016, with Korea Republic winning 2-1.