Not even two days have passed since the 2026 World Cup began and users on social networks have already found the first curious and comical moment that quickly went viral.
The peculiar event occurred in the opening match of the World Cup, in which the host team, Mexico, beat South Africa 2-0 and placed first in Group A.
In addition to the victory, the match was striking because there were three expulsions, two from South Africa and one from Mexicomaking it the opening match of a World Cup with a greater presence of the dreaded red card.
But what went viral was not the expulsions themselves, but the way in which the match referee, Brazilian Wilson Sampaio, announced his decision after reviewing the play in the VAR, with a peculiar pronunciation of English.
It was in the 84th minute when, after a strong challenge by South African player Themba Zwane, the 44-year-old referee He went to the VAR to review the action and determine if it warranted a red card.
As a general rule, the referee must communicate his decision out loud to the players and the public. That’s what Sampaio did, who was ready to announce the red card against Zwane.
However, the moment became unusual, according to users, due to the referee’s English pronunciation when giving his conclusion, since many claimed that they were unable to understand what he said. except for the last part: “Decision: Red Card”.
It is even observed that another South African player, Khuliso Mudau, who was near the referee, shows an expression between surprise and curiosity. Internet users They pointed out that the footballer did not understand what Sampaio was saying.
In the end, the referee’s decision was to send off the second South African player, but the moment quickly went viral on social networks and It became one of the first memes left by the 2026 World Cup.
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