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1 min readUpdated Jun 28, 2026
Drafted by AI, reviewed by the Ajako Taja Editorial Team · How we use AI
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A shocking start to the 2026 World Cup: three players sent off in the opening match as South Africa and Mexico battle through a chaotic, card-heavy clash at Mexico City Stadium.
- •Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio issued three red cards during the opening match at Mexico City Stadium.
- •South Africa’s Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were both dismissed from the pitch.
- •Mexico defender Cesar Montes received a red card, marking a historic disciplinary start to the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match saw an unprecedented disciplinary crisis as referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio handed out three red cards. This historic officiating move sets a high-tension tone for the rest of the tournament in Mexico City.
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