World Cup 2026: Referee to Wear Pink in Honor of Miami

In a unique tribute to Miami, Italian referee Maurizio Mariani and his team will wear pink jerseys during the World Cup 2026 match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Scheduled for Monday, this Group H encounter will see the referees donning the vibrant color, often associated with the South Florida city. The decision, described as a homage to Miami's hospitality, comes as officials prepare to spend two months based in the city.

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The initiative was highlighted by Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee. He explained that the gesture is meant as a "recognition" of Miami's warm welcome, referring to the city's iconic pink flamingos. FIFA President Gianni Infantino echoed this sentiment, noting that pink is synonymous with Miami, and the organization wanted to "give a little bit of a shout-out" to their hosts.

The choice to wear pink is more than just a sartorial statement; it reflects the deep cultural ties between the World Cup and its host cities. With Miami playing a pivotal role in the tournament's logistics, this gesture underscores the city's significance to the global football community.

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