Two Red Cards for South Africa and One for Mexico in World Cup Opener

South Africa had two players sent off in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Mexico — Sphephelo Sithole dismissed in the 49th minute for denying a goalscoring opportunity, and Themba Zwane also receiving a red card. Mexico centre-back César Montes was then sent off in stoppage time, leaving both sides reduced. South Africa's double dismissal, coming in the very first match of the 2026 World Cup, shaped the contest from the second half onward and made them the 15th team ever to have two players sent off in the same World Cup game.