Mexico vs. South Africa Match Sees 3 Red Cards, Setting Record for Most in World Cup Opener

Mexico and South Africa have set a new record for the most red cards issued in a FIFA World Cup opening match.

During the Group A opening match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup held at Mexico City Stadium, a total of three players were sent off, surpassing the previous record of two red cards set during the 1990 Italy World Cup opener between Argentina and Cameroon.

In today's match, South Africa's midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was shown a red card for a foul in the 49th minute, and midfielder Themba Zwane was sent off in the 84th minute for striking a Mexican player in the face.

Then, in stoppage time, Mexican defender Cesar Montes was given a red card for tripping a South African player.

It is highly unusual for three or more red cards to be issued in a single World Cup match.

In particular, it is rare to see any player sent off in an opening match, which signals the start of the tournament.

This also marks the first time in 20 years that three or more red cards have been issued in a single World Cup match since the 2006 Germany World Cup Round of 16 match between Portugal and the Netherlands, which saw four red cards.

Red cards have shown a downward trend in recent World Cups.

From the 1990 Italy tournament to the 2014 Brazil tournament, more than 10 red cards were issued in each competition. However, only four red cards were issued in total throughout the entire 2018 Russia World Cup and the 2022 Qatar World Cup, respectively.

Yet, in this tournament, three red cards were issued in just a single game, nearing the total figures of past tournaments.

The British broadcaster BBC explained, "World Cup red cards decreased significantly after Pierluigi Collina took office as FIFA's head of referees in 2017. Collina had a philosophy that red cards should only be issued when a player commits an action that truly warrants an ejection."

The BBC further noted, "The three red cards in the opening match of this tournament are noteworthy as they occurred in the opener, which often sets the tone for the tournament. However, it is difficult to conclude that such strict officiating will continue in the remaining matches."

The BBC added, "In the football world, sanctions against 'unsporting behavior,' such as players covering their mouths while talking or protesting excessively against decisions, have been strengthened. Considering that Zwane's actions in the opening match align with these stricter standards, one can gauge the criteria referees are using to issue cards."

The South Korean national team, which has its first match against the Czech Republic ahead, needs to be mindful of the recent officiating trend that emphasizes stricter sanctions against unsporting behavior.
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.