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Three players receive red cards in World Cup 2026 opener

7 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 5:15 AM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Three players receive red cards in World Cup 2026 opener
Summary

South Africa faced Mexico in the opening match of the World Cup 2026, with both teams experiencing significant disciplinary issues. South Africa finished the match with nine players after two players received straight red cards in the second half, following a goal by Julian Quinones early in the game. Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off for fouls that denied goal-scoring opportunities, while Mexico's Cesar Montes was also dismissed late in the game for a cynical challenge. This match marks the first World Cup opener in history to see three players sent off, and all will miss their respective teams' next matches.

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By the Numbers
  • •South Africa and Mexico faced off in the World Cup 2026 opener on June 11.
  • •Julian Quinones scored for Mexico in the 8th minute.
  • •South Africa received two red cards in the second half.
  • •Cesar Montes of Mexico was sent off in the dying minutes.
  • •All three dismissed players will miss their next matches.
Latest Updates
  • 7:49 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup DOGSO rule explained as Mexico vs South Africa sees three red cards
  • 5:15 AMYahoo Sports — 🤯 Card chaos in World Cup opener: red-card flood rewrites history
  • 2:41 AMYahoo Sports — 😅​ More red cards than goals in the 2026 World Cup opener
  • 11:13 PMYahoo Sports — Three red cards - are referees getting tough at this World Cup?
  • 11:13 PMBBC Sport — Three red cards - are referees getting tough at this World Cup?
  • 10:35 PMYahoo Sports — 3 red cards mar opening World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa
  • 9:25 PMYahoo Sports — Three red cards in the World Cup’s opening game – why were the players sent off?
What they're saying
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The opening match of the World Cup delivered a rarity in international soccer: three players sent off with red cards. No World Cup match has had that many players ejected since a 2006 game between Portugal and the Netherlands, when four players received red cards — a World Cup record.

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Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa turned the World Cup opener into a rules lesson after three straight red cards at Estadio Azteca. Opening games are usually remembered for ceremony, nerves, and the first goal.

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The World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa may not have produced the highest-quality football, but it was definitely very entertaining. In the end, the hosts won 2-0.What will be remembered ...

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