For the first time in a Worlda referee explained, in the Mexico-South Africa who inaugurated the World Cup 2026one of his referee decisions through the microphone so that players and fans would find out about the decision made after viewing the action on the VAR. The play in question was Zwane’s expulsion for aggression, which the referee did not see at first and was called to review the action on the monitor.
After seeing the play repeated, the referee, Wilton Sampaiodecided to expel the South African Zwane and had to explain, in English, his decision. To the Brazilian referee He didn’t seem very comfortable speaking in English. and the action soon went viral. Even more so because of the face the South African made Mudauat his side, while listening to him.
Three expelled
For the first time in an opening match there were three sent off, two to South Africa (Sithole and Zwane) and one to Mexico (César Montes). The three reds were direct.