FIFA Appoints Brazilian Referee Wilton Sampaio for Morocco vs Netherlands Clash
FIFA has officially appointed Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio to officiate the Morocco vs Netherlands Round of 32 match at the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for June 30.
FIFA has officially named Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio to officiate the Round of 32 match between Morocco and the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2026.
🏟️ Who is Wilton Sampaio?
Wilton Sampaio is a Brazilian referee born in 1979 and one of the most respected officials at the international level. He has officiated:
- 2022 World Cup Final (Argentina vs France) as VAR referee
- Multiple Copa Libertadores and Copa America finals
- CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying matches
Known for calm and firm officiating, Sampaio is a natural choice for one of the tournament's most anticipated knockout fixtures.
👥 Full Officiating Team
- 🇧🇷 Referee: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
- 🇧🇷 Assistant 1: Bruno Boschilia (Brazil)
- 🇧🇷 Assistant 2: Kleber Felipe (Brazil)
- 🇧🇷 Fourth official: Anderson Daronco Nobrega (Brazil)
- 📺 VAR: Fabio Belimier (Brazil)
⚽ Match Context
Morocco enter the match ranked 7th in the world — their highest-ever FIFA ranking — with 7 points from the group stage. The Netherlands bring their trademark high-press attacking football. For Ismail Saibari, it's a special reunion with the country that shaped his career at PSV Eindhoven.
