Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa, but the match produced three red cards. South Africa's Yaya Sithole was sent off for denying a clear goal‑scoring chance, defender Themba Zwane received a VAR‑reviewed dismissal for violent conduct, and Mexican midfielder Cesar Montes was expelled in stoppage time. The early result leaves Mexico atop Group A.

Officials cited the new refereeing directives introduced by Pierluigi Collina in 2017, which stress harsh punishment for dissent, mouth‑covering and violent conduct. Collina’s era saw only four reds across the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, prompting questions whether the early flare‑up signals a tougher crucial approach. Both South African dismissals were deemed correct by on‑field referee Wilton Sampaio, despite VAR debate.

While the three expulsions match the total from the entire Russia and Qatar editions, they represent a statistical outlier rather than a new norm. Mexico’s clean sheet and two‑goal margin keep them in a strong position, whereas South Africa must regroup without Sithole and Zwane for their next group game. The officiating controversy will likely stay confined to this opening fixture.