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FIFA appoints controversial Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio for Senegal vs. Norway World Cup match
via SeneNews5 min read
The FIFA has announced that Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio will officiate the World Cup 2026 Group I match between Senegal and Norway. The game is scheduled for June 22 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Sampaio, 44, is known for his strict officiating style and extensive experience in major international competitions, including previous World Cup matches. He will be assisted by fellow Brazilians Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia, with Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh of New Zealand as the fourth official and Isaac Trevis of Brazil as the reserve assistant referee. Sampaio's appointment has sparked discussion among football observers due to his reputation for issuing numerous cards in tense matches. He recently officiated the inaugural Group I match between Mexico and South Africa, which saw multiple warnings and three red cards. This decision comes as Senegal, having lost to France 3-1 in their opening match, seeks to recover, while Norway enters the game with confidence after a 4-1 victory against Iraq. The match is anticipated to be an intense offensive battle, featuring key players like Erling Haaland for Norway and a strong Senegalese defense.
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Paraguayan player Miguel Almiron was sent off during a World Cup Group D match for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent. This incident, which occurred in the 45+3 minute of the first half with Paraguay leading 1-0 against Turkey, marks the first time a player has been expelled under a new rule introduced for the 2026 World Cup. The rule aims to combat racist insults, following a controversy in February where Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni was accused of making racist remarks while covering his mouth during a Champions League match against Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. Salvadoran official Ivan Barton reviewed the incident via VAR before issuing a direct red card to Almiron.
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