The opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which saw Mexico defeat South Africa 2-0, was marked by an unusual event: three red cards were issued. South African players Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off, while Mexico’s Cesar Montes was dismissed during stoppage time. The incidents have sparked questions about whether referees are adopting a stricter approach during this tournament.
In the previous two editions of the World Cup, held in Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022), only four red cards were shown throughout each entire competition. By contrast, the 2006 World Cup produced 28 red cards, including the famous Portugal vs. Netherlands match, which featured four dismissals.
According to analysts, two of the three red cards appear to be consistent with the Laws of the Game. Yaya Sithole was sent off for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, a decision widely regarded as justified. However, Themba Zwane’s dismissal, following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review for violent conduct, has generated considerable debate. Replays showed contact with his opponent, but many observers argue that the incident did not clearly warrant a red card.
The third dismissal, issued to Cesar Montes for stopping a dangerous attack by Khuliso Mudau, also appears defensible under the rules governing the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
Since becoming FIFA’s Head of Refereeing, Pierluigi Collina has promoted an approach that balances protecting the game with punishing unsporting behavior. However, there has been no indication that FIFA instructed referees to impose a widespread crackdown leading to more red cards at this tournament.
Therefore, it is too early to conclude that referees are becoming significantly tougher. The opening match may simply prove to be a statistical anomaly rather than the beginning of a trend in a tournament that will feature 104 matches.