The 2026 World Cup is just getting started, but one of the biggest stars on social media was not a footballer, but the Brazilian referee for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, Wilton Sampaio. His striking technological gear led thousands of users to say, jokingly, that he “looked like a robot”.
Headphones, microphones, and communication devices integrated into his uniform immediately caught the attention of viewers.
Within minutes, the internet was filled with comparisons to science fiction characters, androids, and even references to video games and anime series.
The situation became even more viral because of how the match unfolded, as the referee played a very active role and showed several red cards, fueling even more the jokes and edits that circulated on platforms such as X, Instagram, and TikTok.
Although it was all in good humor, the episode shows how technology incorporated into modern refereeing can attract as much attention as football itself.
For many fans, the “technological referee” ended up being one of the most talked-about figures of the World Cup opener.