FIFA World Cup matches with three or more red cards

The opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 was not only memorable for Mexico's victory but also for an extraordinary disciplinary record.

Mexico's 2-0 win over South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca became the latest World Cup match to feature three red cards, placing it among a small group of the most ill-disciplined games in tournament history.

South Africa finished the contest with nine players after Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were both dismissed, while Mexico defender César Montes also received a late red card. The match marked the first World Cup opener ever to feature red cards and became the first World Cup fixture since 2006 to produce three dismissals.

Mexico start strong, but discipline dominates headlines

Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez secured all three points for co-host Mexico in front of a passionate home crowd in Mexico City. However, much of the post-match discussion focused on the referee's decisions.

South Africa's frustrations boiled over after falling behind, leading to two dismissals that left the African side severely weakened.

Montes later became the third player sent off after a late challenge, ensuring the match entered World Cup disciplinary history.

World Cup matches with three or more red cards

Only a handful of FIFA World Cup matches have witnessed three or more expulsions.

Brazil vs Czechoslovakia (1938)

Red Cards: 4

Players sent off:

• Zezé Procópio (Brazil)
• Machado (Brazil)
• Jan Říha (Czechoslovakia)
• Additional dismissal recorded during the notorious "Battle of Bordeaux"

This remains one of the most violent matches in World Cup history and is often cited as one of football's earliest disciplinary disasters.

Hungary vs Brazil (1954)

Red Cards: 3

Players sent off:

• József Bozsik (Hungary)
• Humberto (Brazil)
• Nílton Santos (Brazil)

Nicknamed the "Battle of Berne," the quarter-final featured multiple fights and chaotic scenes both on and off the pitch.

Denmark vs South Africa (1998)

Red Cards: 3

Players sent off:

• Miklos Molnar (Denmark)
• Morten Wieghorst (Denmark)
• Alfred Phiri (South Africa)

Despite Denmark's victory, the match became infamous for repeated disciplinary incidents.

Australia vs Croatia (2006)

Red Cards: 3

Players sent off:

• Brett Emerton (Australia)
• Dario Simic (Croatia)
• Josip Simunic (Croatia)

This match is remembered for referee Graham Poll mistakenly showing Josip Simunic three yellow cards before finally sending him off.

Italy vs United States (2006)

Red Cards: 3

Players sent off:

• Daniele De Rossi (Italy)
• Pablo Mastroeni (USA)
• Eddie Pope (USA)

One of the most controversial matches of the 2006 tournament ended 1-1 with both teams reduced in numbers.

Portugal vs Netherlands (2006)

Red Cards: 4

Players sent off:

• Costinha (Portugal)
• Deco (Portugal)
• Khalid Boulahrouz (Netherlands)
• Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Netherlands)

Widely known as the "Battle of Nuremberg," the match holds the World Cup record for yellow cards and remains one of the most chaotic games ever played.

Mexico vs South Africa (2026)

Red Cards: 3

Players sent off:

• César Montes (Mexico)
• Yaya Sithole (South Africa)
• Themba Zwane (South Africa)

The first World Cup opener in history to feature red cards and the first World Cup match with three dismissals since 2006.

What makes the 2026 match unique?

While previous matches with multiple dismissals mostly occurred in knockout rounds or highly tense encounters, Mexico vs South Africa stands out because it happened on the opening day of the tournament.

The fixture immediately entered the record books for:

• First World Cup opening match with red cards
• First World Cup match with three red cards since 2006
• South Africa becoming the first team to receive two red cards in a World Cup opener
• One of the most ill-disciplined opening matches in FIFA history

Can the record be broken?

The World Cup record remains four red cards in a single match, achieved in both Brazil vs Czechoslovakia (1938) and Portugal vs Netherlands (2006).

With the 2026 tournament expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches, there will be more opportunities than ever for records, both positive and negative, to be challenged. For now, Mexico and South Africa have already secured their place in FIFA World Cup history.