The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially got underway on Thursday night with Mexico vs South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The co-hosts of the tournament, Mexico, started off with a win after beating the Rainbow Nation 2-0.
However, more than the result, the first match of the competition will be remembered for the three red cards issued and the players given marching orders by referee Wilton Sampaio.
South Africa was reduced to nine players after Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane committed fouls, while Mexico also lost Cesar Montes in the dying moments of the game.
Sampaio comes from Brazil, and he's one of the most experienced officials going around. He has been officiating in international matches for more than a decade.
He was born in Teresina de Goias, Brazil, in 1981. The 44-year-old began officiating in Brazil's top division in 2009, and over the years, he became known as the country's leading referee.
He then earned his FIFA badge in 2013. Over the years, he has officiated in the Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, Copa America, FIFA Club World Cup and multiple World Cup qualifying campaigns.
He was part of the officiating teams in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups as well. He was at the centre of a huge storm following the 2022 World Cup quarter-final between England and France.
Sampaio has built a career on maintaining a tough stance, and he's known for not showing any sort of reluctance before issuing red cards.
Even before the red cards were issued, Sampaio was being talked about on social media because of the communication device he was wearing.
Mexico won 2-0, with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez.
