César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos, one of Mexico’s most recognized referees, has concluded his journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite his experience and previous successes in past tournaments, Ramos was not selected to officiate beyond the group stage this year.

During this World Cup, Ramos officiated two group matches: Iran vs. New Zealand and Brazil vs. Scotland. After these games, he was excluded from assignments for the knockout rounds following the latest cut by FIFA’s Referees Committee. This decision came despite his consistent performance and dedication, having stayed focused with the officiating team in the United States for the past month and a half.

This tournament marked Ramos’s third World Cup appearance, where he surpassed the legendary Armando Archundia to become the Mexican referee with the most matches officiated in World Cup history, closing this edition with a total of nine games. While his early exit might be disappointing, his record remains a significant milestone for Mexican refereeing on the global stage.

For fans and followers of Mexican football, Ramos’s experience highlights the competitive nature of officiating at the highest level, where every decision and performance is scrutinized. As the tournament progresses, the focus now shifts to the referees selected for the critical knockout stages, while Ramos prepares to return home after a notable World Cup run.