Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia referee to wear pink jerseys at Miami World Cup 2026

Italian referee Maurizio Mariani will wear pink for the Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia match in Miami as a tribute to the city.

Pink tribute to Miami Miami is widely recognized for its vibrant pink hues, seen in flamingos, classic convertible Cadillacs along Ocean Drive, Art Deco structures, and the famous sunsets. This distinctive color palette has now inspired the officials at the World Cup, who have been stationed in South Florida ahead of the tournament. The Italian referee Maurizio Mariani and his officiating crew will wear pink uniforms for Monday’s Group H clash between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia at 23:00 BST to honor the city and its warm welcome. The choice reflects a symbolic gesture of gratitude toward Miami, where the referees will reside for approximately two months. ## Refereeing leaders explain the choice Iconic Italian official Pierluigi Collina, who now serves as FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, shared his perspective on the decision. He remarked, 'We thought it would be nice to show our appreciation to the city where we'll live for about two months.' Collina added that the pink jerseys represent a unique form of recognition for Miami. FIFA President Gianni Infantino echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of the color in the host city. He stated, 'Pink is the colour of Miami, and we (want) to give a little bit of a shout-out, to give a little bit of a smile to the city which is hosting us.'