At FIFA World Cup 2026, Joao Pinheiro officiated in Switzerland’s last group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, sending off Tarik Muharemovic. | Photo Credit: Getty Images via AFP

Co-host Canada will look to continue its dream run in the FIFA World Cup 2026 as it takes on South Africa in the round of 32 at the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday.

Les Rouges were held to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener by Bosnia and Herzegovina, but thrashed Qatar 6-0 to secure their spot in the knockouts. The Bafana Bafana, on the other hand, upset South Korea to win its final group-stage match 1-0 and enter the knockouts for the first time.

Who is the referee in South Africa vs Canada at the FIFA World Cup?

Portuguese referee João Pinheiro will be in charge of the first round of 32 match in the FIFA World Cup, between South Africa and Canada.

The 38-year-old has officiated in contests in Liga Portugal, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Europa League, among other tournaments.

He has officiated 441 games in his career so far and handed out 1983 yellow and 46 red cards.

In this World Cup, Pinheiro officiated in Switzerland’s last group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, sending off Tarik Muharemovic.

Pinheiro came under fire for some questionable calls in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second-leg between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain last season, with the Bavarians’ CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen criticising the officials after the game.

“It’s astonishing, to say the least, that a referee with only 15 Champions League appearances is allowed to take charge of such a match. And that perhaps also explains some of the decisions,” Dreesen was quoted telling Sky Germany.

Full list of match officials in South Africa vs Canada:

• Referee: João Pinheiro (Portugal)
• Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Jesus (Portugal)
• Assistant Referee 2: Luciano Maia (Portugal)
• Fourth Official: Omar Al Ali (United Arab Emirates)

Published on Jun 28, 2026