On Thursday night, the World Cup 2026 kicked off at the Estadio Azteca, with co-hosts Mexico winning 2-0 over South Africa.
But the football took a backseat to the chaos. Referee Wilton Sampaio stole the headlines by flashing three red cards in a fiery opener. South Africa was gutted down to nine men after Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off, while Mexico’s Cesar Montes picked up a red card of his own in the dying minutes of the match. A wild start to the tournament.
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Who is Wilton Sampaio?
The 44-year-old Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio is one of the most experienced referees in the world of football, having been wearing a FIFA badge since 2013.
Wilton Sampaio has refereed almost everything, including the Copa Libertadores and the past two World Cups. Sampaio earned himself notoriety due to triggering huge outrage among the English fans and players after making some questionable decisions during the quarter-finals match of the World Cup 2022 where England lost to France.
Zero tolerance is the key principle of Wilton Sampaio's work; if you step over the line, the red card will not wait a moment to come your way—just like it happened with South Africa and Mexico.
Sampaio's viral moments
The game hadn't seen any red cards yet when Sampaio trended on social media because of his huge communication headset, but this soon changed as the game became chaotic.
However, the game had everything going for it as far as the fans are concerned, except for its quality of football. The game became a classic in more ways than one since South Africa got two players sent out of the game during the match. Sphephelo Sithole had to walk off at half-time, while teammate Themba Zwane walked off after being reviewed via VAR for elbowing Roberto Alvarado in the face.
El partido México - Sudáfrica en la Copa del Mundo, dirigido por el árbitro Wilton Sampaio, se ha convertido en noticia mundial por su peculiar ingles. pic.twitter.com/25zBYJm9ek
— Minerva Gonzáles (@annminerva528) June 11, 2026
Mexico didn't have the best outing either as defender Cesar Montes became the third player of the match to receive a red card.
It was a perfect start for the co-hosts. Mexico secured a clean sheet 2-0 victory over South Africa, fueled by a historic opener from Julian Quinones and a trademark, powerful header from veteran striker Raul Jimenez to seal the three points.
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FAQs
Q1: Which players were sent off during the chaotic World Cup opening match?
Ans: South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, and Mexico's Cesar Montes all received red cards.
Q2: Why did referee Wilton Sampaio face heavy criticism earlier in his career?
Ans: He sparked widespread outrage for controversial decisions during the England vs France 2022 World Cup quarterfinal.
