Brazilian Referee's English Stumbles in 2026 World Cup Opener
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio went viral after struggling to announce a VAR decision in English. His heavily accented explanation left South African players confused, sparking memes and mockery online. The match featured three red cards and ended 2-0 for Mexico. Duolingo later invited Sampaio to star in an ad campaign, praising his courage.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Duolingo Invites Brazilian Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio to Star in Next Campaign
Duolingo's Brazilian Instagram account has invited referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio to be the face of its next campaign, following his viral moment during the Mexico-South Africa match. Sampaio gained attention for showing three red cards and for his humorous English communication during one of those cards. While some mocked his language skills, Duolingo praised his courage in speaking a non-native language in front of a global audience. The platform posted an open letter commending his effort and inviting him to star in a post-championship campaign, while also encouraging others to have similar courage in communication. The letter emphasized Duolingo's mission to create a world where people try to communicate, whether through football or language learning.
RecordDuolingo Invites Brazilian Referee Sampaio to Promotional Event After World Cup English Incident
Language learning app Duolingo's Brazilian account has publicly supported and invited Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio to participate in its next promotional campaign after the World Cup. Sampaio officiated the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa, where he showed a red card to South African player Themba Zwane after a VAR review and explained the decision in English via the stadium's public address system. His English expression sparked social media discussion, with many netizens joking they only understood 'red card.' Duolingo Brazil issued an open letter praising Sampaio's courage in speaking a non-native language before a global audience, stating that such boldness deserves recognition. The company extended two invitations: one to Sampaio to star in their next ad campaign, and another to everyone else to emulate his courage in communication. Duolingo emphasized its mission to create a world where people strive to communicate, whether through football or language apps.
虎扑 - 足球World Cup 2026: Referee Wilton Sampaio Mocked for English Accent
Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio officiated the opening match of the 2026 World Cup between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico. During the match, he issued three red cards and had to manage new tournament features, including delaying the second half due to an extended commercial break. However, Sampaio went viral for a different reason: in the 83rd minute, after consulting VAR for a potential red card against South African player Zwane, he announced his decision in English over the microphone. His lack of confidence in the language, combined with midfielder Muda's apparent difficulty understanding him, became one of the first memorable moments of the tournament. Social media users mocked his accent, with one tweet calling it 'the worst English in history.' The match ended with Mexico winning 2-0.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertBrazilian Referee's English Confuses South African Players in World Cup Opener
In the 2026 World Cup opening match between host Mexico and South Africa, Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio became an unexpected focus of attention. During the 36th minute of the second half, Sampaio reviewed a VAR incident involving South African midfielder Zwané and then announced his decision in English. However, his heavily accented English left South African players baffled, with only the final words 'red card' being clearly understood. Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte reported the incident as a trending topic, and Brazilian fans mocked the referee's 'street English' on social media. The match itself ended with Mexico winning 2-0, but the referee's communication mishap generated widespread amusement online.
虎扑 - 足球2026 World Cup: Referee Wilton Sampaio's VAR Explanation and Red Cards Create First Meme of Tournament
During the 2026 World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio made history by using a microphone to explain his VAR decision live to over 100,000 spectators—the first such explanation in World Cup history. However, his heavily accented English and the bewildered expression of South African player Mudau, who stood beside him, sparked viral memes worldwide. The match also saw an unprecedented three straight red cards: two for South Africa (Sithole and Zwane) and one for Mexico (César Montes). Sampaio also wore a head-mounted camera, though broadcasters did not use its footage for contentious plays. The article humorously suggests referees may now hesitate before using VAR due to language concerns.
Home Football - actualitésReferee's English Announcement Stumbles During Mexico-South Africa World Cup Opener
Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio, officiating the 2026 World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa, had an unusual moment in the 83rd minute. After being called to the VAR to review a play, he was required to communicate his final decision to the stadium in English, but stumbled over his words. The players' facial expressions reportedly said it all. The match, which Mexico won 2-0 with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, also featured three red cards: Yaya Sithole (50'), Themba Zwane (84'), and César Montes (90'+2). The incident was captured on video and shared on social media, drawing attention to the referee's language difficulties.
Record