2026 World Cup: Brazilian referee sends off three, announces decision in English and generates memes

Wilton Pereira Sampaio at the opening match of the 2026 World Cup leads to memes
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The presence of Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio at the opening match of the 2026 World Cup between Mexico and South Africa led to memes on social media.
"Our Anitta" and "It's the legend Wilton Pereira Sampaio", highlighted some of the publications.
The internet also joked about the fact that Wilton had sent off two players from South Africa and one from Mexico. Em uma delas, que tirou o sul-africano Themba Zwame de campo, o brasileiro anunciou a decisão em inglês no sistema de som do estádio Azteca.
Antes dele, o brasileiro já tinha aplicado um cartão vermelho para o sul-africano Sphephelo Sithole. He also gave the first yellow card of this World Cup, to Mokoena, from South Africa.
Wilton is accompanied by Brazilian assistants: Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilla. Wilton Pereira Sampaio during the opening of the 2026 World Cup
Reuters/Henry Romero

Source: G1