Three red cards shown in opening game of World Cup
Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio shows red cards to South Africa's Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane as well as Mexico's Cesar Montes during the opening match of the 2026 World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Key People
No people linked to this story
Locations
All Coverage
Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio shows red cards to South Africa's Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane as well as Mexico's Cesar Montes during the opening match of the 2026 World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium.
The opening match of the World Cup delivered a rarity in international soccer: three players sent off with red cards.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Three red cards shown as Mexico beat South Africa in World Cup opener
Three players are sent off as World Cup co-hosts Mexico defeat South Africa in a dramatic opening match at a packed Azteca Stadium.
June 11, 2026 at 10:01 PMThree red cards - are referees getting tough at this World Cup?
Three players were sent off in the World Cup opener as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. Are we about to see a World Cup littered with red cards?
June 11, 2026 at 11:13 PMMexico get World Cup party started with win as South Africa see red - Reuters
Mexico get World Cup party started with win as South Africa see red Reuters
June 11, 2026 at 11:10 PMQuinones and Jimenez fire Mexico to opening World Cup win over nine-man South Africa - Reuters
Quinones and Jimenez fire Mexico to opening World Cup win over nine-man South Africa Reuters
June 11, 2026 at 09:21 PMSomali soccer referee denied US entry, will miss World Cup debut - Reuters
Somali soccer referee denied US entry, will miss World Cup debut Reuters
June 8, 2026 at 10:21 PMWorld Cup referee denied US entry arrives home to hero's welcome in Somalia
Omar Artan vows to officiate at the 2030 tournament instead, following his ban from entering the US.
June 10, 2026 at 09:50 AM