Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio will be in charge of the Fifa World Cup opener between hosts Mexico and Bafana Bafana on Thursday.
Image: AFP
An all Brazilian contingent will officiate Bafana Bafana’s Fifa World Cup opening game against hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11 (kickoff 9pm SA time).
The highly anticipated fixture will kick off the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio is the main man entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the historic encounter. Sampaio is one of South America’s most experienced match officials, having established a strong reputation on the international stage, having officiated at major Fifa and CONMEBOL competitions, including the 2022 Fifa World Cup.
He will be assisted by fellow Brazilians Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia, who have regularly formed part of his officiating team during international assignments.
Meanwhile, Paraguayan official Juan Gabriel BenÃtez has been named as the fourth official and will provide support from the touchline.
The appointment marks another significant milestone in Sampaio’s distinguished refereeing career. The 44-year-old was in charge of the highly-charged 2022 World Cup quarter-final between France and England quarter-final in 2022.
Fifa traditionally selects some of its most trusted and experienced officials for opening matches, highlighting the confidence placed in the Brazilian ahead of the global showpiece.
The opening game is expected to set the tone for what promises to be a historic World Cup. Mexico will be eager to make a strong start in front of their home supporters, while South Africa will be aiming to make an immediate impact on football’s biggest stage.
The match is a repeat of the 2010 Fifa World Cup opener when South Africa were the hosts. It ended in a 1-1 all draw at the iconic FNB Stadium in Soweto.