June 9 : Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio will take charge of the opening match of the FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa, leading a three-man Brazil team for the curtain-raiser in Mexico City. Compatriots Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia will be Sampaio's assistants in Thursday’s Group A inaugural clash at the Estadio Azteca. Sampaio also officiated matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and was part of the video assistant referee (VAR) team when it was introduced at the 2018