Referee Issues Three Red Cards in Mexico's World Cup Opener Against South Africa

Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio issued three red cards during Mexico's opening match against South Africa on June 11, 2026. ESPN reported that the decisions marked the first time three players received red cards in a FIFA World Cup opening match. At the 49th minute, South Africa midfielder Sphephelo Sithole received the first red card of the tournament for denial of a goal-scoring opportunity.

Sithole tripped Mexico midfielder Brian Gutiérrez, who was through on goal. VAR official Nicolás Gallo Barragán reviewed the incident and upheld the decision. South Africa was reduced to nine players at the 84th minute when midfielder Themba Zwane was shown a red card for violent conduct.

Zwane's hand struck Mexico player Roberto Alvarado's face during an attempt to move past him. The referee initially did not issue a card but changed the decision after the VAR review. Mexico defender César Montes received a red card in the 90+2 minute for denial of a goal-scoring opportunity.

Montes clipped South Africa player Khuliso Mudau just outside the box during a counter-attack with four attackers against three defenders. Andy Davies, a former Select Group referee with over 12 seasons on the elite list who has operated within the VAR space in the Premier League, analyzed the calls.

Davies described the red card to Sithole as a relatively easy decision. He said the decision against Zwane was harsh because he did not believe the contact constituted violent conduct or an act of brutality. Davies also said he was surprised by the red card to Montes because the situation did not completely meet the criteria for an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.