In the early morning of June 12 (Vietnam time), host Mexico won 2-0 against South Africa in a tense match. Besides professional results, the focus of the match also lies in the strong decisions from the referee.
Up to 3 red cards were drawn in this match. South Africa received 2 red cards for Sithole and Zwane, while Cesar Montes of Mexico was also sent off.
This is the first time a World Cup opening match has had up to 3 red cards. The previous record had never recorded a opening match with such a large number of players being sent off.
Despite creating a remarkable milestone, the match between Mexico and South Africa is still not the confrontation with the most red cards in World Cup history.
This record still belongs to the match between Portugal and the Netherlands in the 1/8 round of the 2006 World Cup. The famous confrontation nicknamed "The Battle of Nuremberg" witnessed referee Valentin Ivanov drawing a total of 4 red cards, divided equally between the two teams.
Portugal then won 1-0 thanks to Maniche's goal in a match considered one of the most tense matches in World Cup history.
Notably, at the 2022 World Cup, the entire tournament from the group stage to the final only showed 4 red cards. Therefore, the fact that the opening match of the 2026 World Cup had up to 3 players sent off has become a special statistic and is difficult to repeat in the near future.
