Co-hosts Mexico started the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-0 win against South Africa in the Group A contest, but the match was controversial for multiple red cards. While South Africa went down to nine men, El Tri finished the game with 10 men. Here, we have brought the details of the red cards in the Mexico vs South Africa Group A match in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
49’: Sphephelo Sithole (South Africa) – Direct Red Card for DOGSO Offence
South African midfielder Sphephelo Sithole became the first player to receive a red card in the FIFA World Cup 2026. In the 49th minute, he stopped Mexican Santiago Giménez from behind just outside the penalty box. As it was a clear DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity) offence, Sithole received a direct red card.
What is next for Sphephelo Sithole?
Sphephelo Sithole will miss the next match for South Africa, as Bafana Bafana will face Czechia in their next Group A fixture of the tournament on 18th June.
84’: Themba Zwane (South Africa) – Direct Red Card for Violent Contact
In the 84th minute, another South African midfielder, substitute Themba Zwane, received a direct red card. The referee chose to use VAR, where he saw Zwane’s action. After his collision with Mexican Roberto Alvarado, Zwane threw his arm on the forward’s head from behind. Due to the violent contact, Zwane was sent off.
What does the red card offence mean for Themba Zwane?
Themba Zwane will also miss South Africa’s next Group A game, when Bafana Bafana will face Czechia on 18th June.
90’+2’: César Montes (Mexico) – Direct Red Card for DOGSO Offence
Mexican captain César Montes received the direct red card in the stoppage time. South African Khuliso Mudau was strongly approaching the goal, while Montes went for a reckless tackle to stop him just outside the box. It was a DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity) offence, as the referee ultimately decided to show a red card.
How many matches will César Montes miss after his red card?
Mexican captain César Montes is also suspended for one game after his red card offence. While Mexico will now face South Korea in their second game of Group A on 18th June, he will surely miss the game.
Special Note: All the suspensions status are confirmed. If FIFA doesn’t take any further disciplinary actions on their suspensions, they will be available once they complete their respective present suspension status.
FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group A): Mexico vs South Africa – Red Cards Chaos
Close to total red cards in FIFA World Cup 2022
The FIFA World Cup 2022 ended with four red cards, including one direct red card. Meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener between Mexico and South Africa ended with three direct red cards.
History in FIFA World Cup opening match
The FIFA World Cup 2026 opener became the first opening game of any World Cup edition to experience a red card.
Rare 2 red cards for a World Cup team
Since the FIFA World Cup 2006 Round of 16 match between Portugal and the Netherlands, where both teams received two red cards each (no direct red card offence), it was the first World Cup game where one team received more than one red card, while a World Cup match experienced more than one red card.
How many World Cup matches have had 3 red cards?
It was the seventh time in FIFA World Cup history that a match ended with at least three red cards.
World Cup match and multiple direct red cards
Since the introduction of the red card in the World Cup 1970, it was the first World Cup match that experienced more than two direct red cards.
