The 2026 FIFA World Cup got off to an unusually dramatic start as the opening match produced three red cards, a rare occurrence in football’s biggest tournament.

Co-host Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Thursday, but much of the post-match discussion centered on the disciplinary drama that unfolded during the contest.

Three players were sent off during the match, marking the first time in World Cup history that an opening game has featured three red cards. All of the dismissals were direct red cards, with none resulting from two yellow-card offences.

South Africa were reduced to nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and captain Themba Zwane were both shown red cards, while Mexico‍‍`s César Montes was also dismissed late in the match.

Sithole was sent off shortly after halftime for bringing down Mexico‍‍`s Brian Gutierrez near the edge of the penalty area. South Africa‍‍`s situation worsened in the 84th minute when a VAR review led to Zwane being dismissed for striking Roberto Alvarado in the face.

Montes became the third player sent off during stoppage time after a challenge on Khuliso Mudau.

The match entered the record books as one of the most ill-disciplined fixtures in World Cup history. The last time a World Cup game produced at least three red cards was in 2006, when Portugal and the Czech Republic played a heated encounter that saw four players dismissed—a tournament record that still stands.

By comparison, the entire 2022 World Cup in Qatar produced only four red cards across all matches.

The suspensions mean all three dismissed players are expected to miss at least their teams‍‍` next group-stage fixtures. South Africa will face the Czech Republic in their next match, while Mexico take on South Korea.

Despite the controversy, Mexico secured a winning start to their World Cup campaign, while South Africa were left to reflect on a difficult evening that ended with two players sent off and a defeat on the scoreboard.