23 red cards in a game – Chaotic referee set to make international debut in Germany's friendly against Finland
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Germany will continue their World Cup preparation with a friendly game in Mainz against Finland on Sunday. While Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Manuel Neuer will have to wait for his return from international retirement, a 27-year-old Brazilian referee will make his debut at Mewa Arena.
Matheus Delgado Candançan, who has been a FIFA referee since 2025, will officiate his first international game less than three months after making headlines in the Campeonato Mineiro final. The trained engineer famously dished out 23 red cards in the state championship decider between fierce rivals Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro.
Dortmund’s future star Kaua Prates and former Brazilian international Hulk, who also left his club to join Fluminense, were among the players to find out about their red cards in Candançan's match report after the wild brawl demanded the assistance of security forces and military police.
However, that wasn't enough for the young referee to enter the Guinness World Record. Fellow South American Damián Rubino issued 36 red cards during an Argentine fifth-tier match between Club Atlético Claypole and Victoriano Arenas in 2011.
Germany will end their preparation with a game against co-host USA after they play Finland at home. In addition to the 40-year-old shot-stopper, Kai Havertz will not be available on Sunday since his club Arsenal face PSG in the Champions League final a day earlier. Nagelsmann's men will start their campaign against debutant Curaçao on June 14th.
