Mexican refereeing is set to make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. César Arturo Ramos, a referee from Sinaloa, will officiate the match between Scotland and Brazil on June 24 in Miami, officially becoming the Mexican referee with the most matches officiated in World Cup history.
With this appointment, Ramos will reach nine World Cup matches as the head referee, surpassing the record of eight matches he shared with legendary Mexican referee Armando Archundia.
A record built over three World Cups
At 42, the native of Culiacán, Sinaloa, has established an international career that has led him to participate in three consecutive World Cups: Russia 2018, Qatar 2022, and the 2026 World Cup hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
His most recent appearance came on June 15 during the 2-2 draw between Iran and New Zealand, a group stage match in which he tied Archundia’s record.
Now, his appointment to the match between Scotland and Brazil will allow him to write a new chapter in the history of Mexican refereeing.
An all-Mexican refereeing team
FIFA also confirmed that Ramos will be joined by a distinguished group of Mexican referees.
The officiating crew for the match will consist of:
- Main referee: César Arturo Ramos (Mexico)
- Assistant Referee 1: Alberto Morín (Mexico)
- Assistant Referee 2: Marco Bisguerra (Mexico)
- VAR: Guillermo Pacheco Larios (Mexico)
Meanwhile, the fourth official will be Espen Eskas and the fifth official will be Jan Erik Engan.
From Liga MX to the World’s Elite
César Ramos’s international career took a major leap forward in 2017 when he was appointed to referee the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup final between Real Madrid and Grêmio.
That performance caught the attention of FIFA, which a year later included him among the referees selected for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
His World Cup debut came in none other than the draw between Brazil and Switzerland during the group stage, marking the start of a journey that would make him one of the most respected referees on the planet.
The Qatar 2022 semifinal: his crowning achievement
One of the most important moments of his career came at Qatar 2022, when FIFA entrusted him with officiating the semifinal between France and Morocco.
The appointment confirmed the confidence that world soccer’s governing body had in the Mexican referee’s work, and he responded with a solid performance in one of the tournament’s most important matches.
César Ramos’s World Cup matches
Russia 2018
- Brazil 1–1 Switzerland (Group stage)
- Colombia 3-0 Poland (Group stage)
- Uruguay 2-1 Portugal (Round of 16)
Qatar 2022
- Denmark 0-0 Tunisia (Group Stage)
- Morocco 2-0 Belgium (Group Stage)
- Portugal 6-1 Switzerland (Round of 16)
- France 2-0 Morocco (Semifinal)
2026 World Cup
- Iran 2-2 New Zealand (Group Stage)
- Scotland vs. Brazil (Group Stage)
With this new appointment, César Ramos not only breaks a historic record but also reaffirms the prestige of Mexican refereeing in the world’s top soccer competition. His presence in a high-profile match like Scotland vs. Brazil confirms that he remains one of FIFA’s most trusted referees on the international stage.
