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The 2026 World Cup kicked off in spectacular fashion.
It also kicked off quite physically, too.
In the first game of the tournament between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday at Mexico City Stadium, there were a total of three red cards shown in the 2-0 win for the Mexicans.
For comparison, throughout the 2022 World Cup, a total of four red cards were shown in 64 games.
The three red cards also broke the record for most shown in a World Cup opener. The previous record was two during a 1990 game when Cameroon stunningly beat defending champions Argentina.
The red card barrage from lead referee Wilton Sampaio did not start until the second half.
The first one came against South Africa when Sphephelo Sithole took down Mexican forward Brian Gutiérrez on a breakaway.
The second red was also on South Africa, as Themba Zwane was forced to exit early after a VAR confirmed he hit Roberto Alvarado in the face during a tackle in the 84th minute.
Manager Hugo Broos did not seem particularly happy with the second red card decision.
“The second [red card], we can discuss,” Broos told reporters after the South Africa loss. “It was the Mexican player who was blocking my player.
“It’s the position of the referee, and we have to accept it also, but I don’t think [it was a red], it was too soft to give that as a red card.
“The first red card, you have to accept it. Their player was going alone to the goal and Yaya fouled him, so that I can understand.”
The red card show was not over after that. It was Mexico’s turn to get a player sent off. In the 92nd minute, Ceasr Montes was handed a red after an aggressive tackle.
The three red cards shown in Thursday’s match sit just behind a 2006 World Cup match between Portugal and the Netherlands that saw four red cards be handed out, which is still the most in World Cup history.
On Thursday, 80,000 fans in Mexico City witnessed the host team win the physical game, with goals from Julian Quinones in the first half and Raul Jimenez in the second.
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