Decision Made: Here's Who Will Referee the World Cup Opening Match

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio has been selected to officiate the opening match of the upcoming World Cup, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament kicks off on Thursday at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City with a match between hosts Mexico and South Africa.

Sampaio will be assisted by his fellow Brazilians, Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia. This appointment marks a significant role for Sampaio, who also officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He was also part of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team when it was first introduced at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

This year's World Cup will host a record 48 teams, necessitating a larger officiating contingent. FIFA has assembled a record number of referees for the tournament, comprising 52 main referees and 88 assistants. Notably, Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States, and will not be participating in the event.