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FIFA announces referees for opening World Cup matches

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 10:10 AM

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

FIFA announces referees for opening World Cup matches
Summary

FIFA has revealed the referee appointments for the first four matches of the World Cup, set to begin next month. Wilton Sampaio will officiate the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Ciudad de México. This marks Sampaio's second match involving Mexico. Amin Mohamed will oversee the South Korea versus Czech Republic match, while Facundo Tello is assigned to Canada versus Bosnia and Herzegovina. The United States will face Paraguay, with Danny Makkelie serving as the referee.

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Key Details
  • •Wilton Sampaio officiates Mexico vs. South Africa
  • •Amin Mohamed to oversee South Korea vs. Czech Republic
  • •Facundo Tello assigned to Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • •Danny Makkelie will referee the United States vs. Paraguay match
Latest Updates
  • 10:10 AMYahoo Sports — FIFA confirms referees for opening 2026 World Cup fixtures
  • 4:48 AMYahoo Sports — 🚨Referee appointments for the opening World Cup matches
What they're saying
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FIFA announced on Monday evening the match officials for the opening four fixtures of the 2026 World Cup, with Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio appointed to take charge of the tournament's cur...

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FIFA revealed this Monday the referee appointments for the first four matches of the World Cup Wilton Sampaio, one of the most prominent referees in Latin America, will be the official in charge of ...

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