World Cup suspension rules as Mexico vs South Africa sees three red cards

The opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was dramatic to say the least, with three red cards shown.

Co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in Mexico City to start the tournament, although the scoreline did not tell the whole story.

While Mexico began their quest for World Cup glory with a routine victory, this was the first time since 1998 that three red cards were shown in the same World Cup game.

South Africa saw Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane dismissed, while Mexico lost Cesar Montes to a red card of their own.

Here’s what it means for their participation for the rest of the tournament.

Players shown a red card automatically miss the next match

Any player shown a red card will automatically miss their team’s next match.

A FIFA disciplinary panel will then review the incidents and can decide whether to add more games onto that suspension.

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio shows a red card to South Africa's midfielder #11 Themba Zwane during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium. — Photo by Yuri CORTEZ / AFP via Getty Images

That means Sithole and Zwane will definitely miss South Africa’s game against Czechia. Montes, meanwhile, will be suspended for Mexico’s game against Korea Republic.

There were only four red cards during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and while there were fewer games during that tournament, this year’s edition is on course to break that at a very early stage.

Follow us on

Soccer News

World Cup suspension rules as Mexico vs South Africa sees three red cards

Players shown a red card automatically miss the next match