Three red cards in the World Cup’s opening game – why were the players sent off?

The opening game of the 2026 World Cup between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa saw three red cards issued, with Bafana Bafana finishing with nine men after two dismissals in the second half. Mexico won 1-0, with Julian Quinones scoring in the eighth minute, before South Africa's Sphephelo 'Yaya' Sithole was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity, followed by a second South African red card in the 84th minute. Mexico captain Cesar Montes was also sent off, making it the most dramatic opening match in World Cup history in terms of dismissals.