Mexico defeats South Africa in World Cup opener; three players see red

Kathmandu – In the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, three players received red cards.

The host team Mexico defeated South Africa in a match where these three players were sent off. The game, which became highly tense, saw a total of three players from both sides facing red cards and leaving the field.

Among them, two players from the losing team South Africa and one player from the winning team Mexico received red cards.

The series of cards began in the second half of the match. In the 49th minute, South Africa’s Sifiso Sithole received the first red card after fouling an opponent player, forcing him to leave the field.

Later, in the 84th minute, South Africa’s Themba Zwane received the second red card, reducing the team to 9 players.

Towards the end of the match, during the second half’s injury time, Mexico’s César Montes also received a red card, leaving the host team to finish the game with 10 players.