Wilton Sampaio's World Cup final chances fade, but record remains possible
Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio is unlikely to officiate the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, but he could still break a national record for tournament appearances.
Wilton Pereira Sampaio is unlikely to be selected to officiate the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The main factor behind this is Argentina's progression to the final, which makes the appointment of a Brazilian referee problematic due to the historic football rivalry between the two nations.
Other Brazilian officials, Raphael Claus and Ramon Abatti Abel, have already returned to Brazil, leaving Sampaio as the only remaining Brazilian referee at the tournament.
Despite the setback regarding the final, Sampaio could still secure a place in the history books. He remains a candidate for the third-place play-off between France and England. If he is selected for that match, he would reach eight World Cup appearances, surpassing Carlos Eugenio Simon to become the Brazilian referee with the most matches officiated in the competition's history.