South Africa had a nightmarish outing in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Mexico took an early lead on home soil, after Sphephelo Yaya Sithol’s heavy touch just outside the box opened a golden opportunity for the co-hosts. Julian Quinones made no mistake in converting from the mistake as he smashed the ball into the net with a right-footed shot, giving goalkeeper Ronwen Williams no chance. Mexico gained control after taking the lead as South Africa struggled in the midfield, though the score remained unchanged at the interval.
Why was Yaya Shithole shown red card in Mexico vs South Africa?
The Mexico national football team started the second half with more pace, breaching the South African defence in phases. The home side had another open chance right after the whistle. A long through found Jesus Gallardo, with only the goalkeeper to beat.
With Yaya Sithole being the only player in the range, the South African midfielder made a last-minute tackle before the Mexican forward could step into the box. The referee didn’t hesitate much to show Sthole a straight red while awarding Mexico a free-kick, which was ultimately wasted. After his red card, Sithole will miss South Africa’s next Group A encounter against Czechia on June 18.
Who is Yaya Sithole— first player to receive red card at World Cup 2026?
The South African international currently plays for CD Tondela in the Portuguese first tier. Sithole, who has represented his country 29 times, played 28 matches for Tondela in the 2025-26 season and scored two goals and received a couple of yellow cards.
Mexico vs South Africa Sets World Cup Record With 3 Red Cards
Mexico visibly had a boost after South Africa went down to ten men following Sithole’s departure. At the 67th minute, Raul Gimenez struck the second for the hosts, sending the Mexican crowd into a frenzy. Themba Zwane was the second player to receive a red card in the match in the 84th minute.
Meanwhile, from Mexico, Cesar Montes was also sent off in the stoppage time, making it the match with the second-most red cards in World Cup history. The iconic “Battle of Nuremberg” from the Portugal vs Netherlands in 2006 had the most red cards, as four players across two teams were sent off in a chaotic encounter. Several other World Cup matches, including Brazil vs Czechoslovakia (1938), Australia vs Croatia (2006) and Italy vs USA (2006), had seen three red cards.
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