Brazilian official Wilton Sampaio has been confirmed as the referee for the Netherlands versus Morocco last-16 clash at FIFA World Cup 2026, with the tie set to take place in Monterrey.

The match promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening knockout round. Netherlands advanced from Group F as winners despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening game, with emphatic victories over Sweden and Tunisia securing their progress. Morocco, meanwhile, finished second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference — their tally of two wins and a draw proving enough to advance.

Sampaio's tournament so far

Sampaio is no stranger to controversy at this tournament. The 44-year-old oversaw the co-host South Africa's 2-0 defeat to Mexico at the Azteca in the opening match, during which he issued red cards to South Africa's Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane, as well as Mexico's Cesar Montes — three dismissals in a single game.

His second outing was a more straightforward affair: Sampaio refereed Norway's 3-2 victory over Senegal without producing a single card.

England fans will also recall Sampaio from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he took charge of England's 2-1 quarter-final defeat to France.

Full officiating team

Sampaio will be assisted by fellow Brazilians Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia as his assistant referees. Chile's Cristian Garay takes the role of fourth official, with compatriot Jose Retamal serving as the reserve official. Details of the VAR team are yet to be confirmed.

Elsewhere in the last-16, co-hosts Canada became the first nation to reach the round of 16, beating South Africa with an injury-time goal. Brazil face Japan and Germany take on Paraguay in the other Monday fixtures.