World Cup 2026: Referee to Wear Pink in Honor of Miami
June 15, 2026 · Ángel Torres
At the World Cup 2026, Italian referee Maurizio Mariani will wear pink jerseys during the match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to honor Miami's vibrant culture.
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.
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.
Related Articles
TAGS
Related Stories
Scaloni Prepares Argentina for Semifinal Showdown with England
Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina national team coach, outlines his approach for the upcoming semifinal against England, focusing on improvement and countering key players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
43m ago · Sergio Paredes
Deschamps Bids Farewell in World Cup Third-Place Playoff
Didier Deschamps' career with France ends in a disappointing semi-final loss to Spain, setting the stage for his farewell in the World Cup third-place play-off.
1h ago · Silvia Molina