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The upcoming Netherlands vs Morocco encounter will be officiated by Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio.

Co-hosts Canada became the first team to secure their place in the last 16 after defeating South Africa with a stoppage-time goal on Sunday. Meanwhile, Brazil are set to face Japan in Monday’s early kick-off, which will be followed by Germany taking on Paraguay.

After those fixtures, attention will turn to Monterrey for what promises to be one of the standout contests of the first knockout stage, at least on paper.

Despite beginning their Group F campaign with a 2-2 draw against Japan, the Netherlands went on to top their group with dominant victories over Sweden and Tunisia.

This set up a tie against the second-placed team from Group C, Morocco, who finished behind Brazil on goal difference after securing two wins and a draw in the opening stage of the tournament.

The referee for this high-stakes match will be Wilton Sampaio.

Yes, that is the same Brazilian referee who made headlines in the tournament’s opening match by issuing three red cards — sending off South Africa’s Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane, along with Mexico’s Cesar Montes — during the co-hosts’ 2-0 victory at the Azteca Stadium.

Sampaio’s other appearance in the competition was a calmer one, as he officiated Norway’s 3-2 win over Senegal without brandishing a single card.

England supporters may recall the 44-year-old referee from their 2-1 quarter-final loss to France at the 2022 World Cup.

Assisting Sampaio on the pitch will be his compatriots Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia, who will serve as assistant referees.

Chile’s Cristian Garay has been named as the fourth official, while his fellow countryman Jose Retamal will take on the role of reserve official.

Details of the VAR team for this fixture are yet to be confirmed at the time of publication.