FIFA World Cup controversy erupts in very first game as fans fear for tournament

 Fans are fearing for the standard of officiating at the World Cup after two controversial red cards in the opening game.

On Thursday, the 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway as Mexico hosted South Africa in the opening game at the iconic Azteca Stadium. The game saw the hosts clinch all three points as Julian Quinones struck to give Mexico the lead before Raul Jiminez headed home late.

However, for many, the headlines and storyline of the game were the red cards. For the first time in World Cup history, the opening match featured three red cards, with players from both teams sent off.

Early in the second half, Yaya Sithole — who was at fault for Quinones’ opening goal — was deemed to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity and Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio pulled out a red card. There were no complaints on that call, but the second definitely prompted a debate.

With just six minutes remaining, Sampaio went over to the VAR monitor to review an incident concerning South Africa’s Themba Zwane. The attacking midfielder grappled with Roberto Alvarado on the edge of the Mexican penalty area, but the incident seemed relatively innocuous.

However, Sampaio claimed Zwane struck Alvarado with a closed fist and sent him off once again. Fans were divided, with one user writing: “That was the softest red card I've seen in years.”

“Any foul is RED CARD now. Not deserving,even the the 1st one both players were challenging for a ball,” another wrote. One more posted: “For me that is not a red card, zwne passed the ball and took the space, what was he meant to do as a player. This stupid VAR is not checking mexico.”

Others, though, thought Zwane’s actions were worthy of a red card. One user posted: “Totally unnecessary, you’d swear he ddnt know there’s VAR.”

Another wrote: “He really deserved it, how can he clap a player when we should be trying to fight to score goals? the worse is that he is a very experienced player.”

Then, as the seven minutes of stoppage time began at the end of the game, Mexico’s Cesar Montes took out an attacker as he looked to break into the penalty area. It seemed to be a textbook yellow card, but Sampaio — perhaps looking to make up for the second red for South Africa — issued a stunning third red card.

Montes was adjudged to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity. But South Africa had possession fairly wide of the goal, so it didn’t immediately appear to be a genuine chance.

Ultimately, the referee’s decisions meant Mexico’s win over South Africa represents the seventh time there have been three or more red cards in a World Cup game — and the first time in an opener. Portugal’s win against the Netherlands at the 2006 World Cup in Germany holds the record for most dismissals, with four in that contest.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with Czechia taking on the Korea Republic at Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday, June 11.