FIFA, via their X account, has revealed the referees designated for the first four matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This includes the inaugural match featuring the Mexico national football team against the South Africa national football team.
The appointed match officials are:
- Referee: Wilton Sampaio
- Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Pires
- Assistant Referee 2: Bruno Boschilia
- Fourth Official: Juan Gabriel Benitez
- Reserve Assistant Referee: Eduardo Cardozo
- Video Assistant Referee: Nicolas Gallo
Softfootball reports that the announcement sparked significant discussion online. This followed news that Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States at the Miami airport due to concerns during the vetting process, leading to his exclusion from the tournament’s officiating panel.
In their statement, FIFA confirmed:
The match officials for @FIFAWorldCup matches 1, 2, 3 and 4 have been appointed.
Artan was recently honored as CAF’s 2025 Men’s Referee of the Year and was the sole Somali official selected for the World Cup.
His situation has drawn considerable criticism from football fans on social media, with many calling for FIFA to address the matter publicly. Many supporters believe this incident undermines the tournament’s message of global inclusiveness and fairness, especially with the United States as one of the co-hosts.
An X user Abdi Barre Ahmed commented on the situation, questioning the decision and the concept of unity in football:
Why was Omar Artan denied entry into the United States when other people in the same position as him were allowed to enter? As FIFA, what do you have to say about the situation involving Referee Omar Artan? If football is truly a global game that promotes inclusion and unity…
Another user, Apdirizak Ahmed, expressed his frustration regarding the denial of Artan’s rights, advocating for fairness:
It is shameful to see you announcing match officials while Omar Artan, your own CAF 2025 Best Referee, is being unfairly blocked from the US. Where is the justice? He earned his spot through struggle and merit—he doesn’t deserve to be turned away. Grant him entry!
FIFA also took the opportunity to emphasize significant player achievements ahead of the tournament. This includes Lionel Messi potentially extending his World Cup appearance record after participating in 26 matches across five tournaments. Additionally, FIFA noted that Luka Modrić could achieve both 200 international appearances and another noteworthy World Cup milestone during the event.
