FIFA has officially confirmed the refereeing team that will take charge of the opening match of the FIFA World Cup, with experienced Brazilian official Wilton Sampaio selected to oversee the tournament curtain-raiser between Mexico and South Africa.

The 44-year-old referee is no stranger to football’s biggest stage. Sampaio was among the officials at the previous FIFA World Cup, where he notably handled the high-profile quarter-final clash between France and England.

He will be assisted on the touchlines by fellow Brazilians Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia. Meanwhile, Paraguayan officials Juan Benitez and Eduardo Cardozo have been appointed as fourth official and reserve assistant referee respectively.

The Video Assistant Referee team will be led by Colombian official Nicolas Gallo, alongside Chilean referee Juan Lara, who will oversee VAR operations for the opening fixture.

FIFA has also confirmed a record-breaking officiating contingent for this year's FIFA World Cup, with 52 referees and 88 assistant referees selected for the tournament.