Three players sent off in World Cup 2026 opening match
Hosts Mexico secured a winning start by defeating South Africa, but the match was overshadowed by disciplinary issues.
KATHMANDU: The opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 turned dramatic as three players were shown red cards in a heated contest at Mexico’s Azteca Stadium.
Hosts Mexico secured a winning start by defeating South Africa, but the match was overshadowed by disciplinary issues, with one Mexican player and two South African players sent off.
South Africa’s Sepho Sithole received the first red card in the 49th minute after a foul on an opposing player. Later in the 84th minute, teammate Themba Zwane was also dismissed following another infringement.
In stoppage time of the second half, Mexico’s César Montes was shown a red card, reducing both sides to 10 and 9 men respectively.
Despite the chaos, Mexico managed to maintain control and secure three points in Group A, strengthening their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
