Portuguese referee João Pinheiro appointed to officiate first World Cup match

João Pinheiro – the only Portuguese referee representing the country at the FIFA World Cup – will make his debut on Thursday after being appointed to officiate the Group B match between Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

FIFA confirmed on Monday that the 38-year-old official from the Braga Football Association will take charge of the second-round group-stage fixture, scheduled to kick off at 8pm Portugal time at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Pinheiro will be supported by a Portuguese officiating team, with Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia serving as assistant referees.

Japan’s Yusuke Araki has been appointed fourth official, while compatriot Jun Mihara will act as reserve assistant referee.

The appointment marks a significant milestone in Pinheiro’s career, giving him his first opportunity to referee a match at football’s biggest international tournament.

One of Portugal’s leading officials in recent years, Pinheiro has regularly been selected to officiate matches at major UEFA competitions and international fixtures.

Last month, he was selected to referee the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. In March, he officiated Sweden’s 3-1 victory over Ukraine in a World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final.

Thursday’s match could prove crucial in the battle for qualification from Group B.

All four teams in the group currently have one point after the opening round of fixtures, following 1-1 draws in both Canada versus Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar versus Switzerland.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.