THE FIFA World Cup 2026 has been awash with red cards from the very get-go.
The rejection of one of the world’s top referees (Somalia’s Omar Artan) from entering the United States.
Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein being held for hours at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.
Iran being forced to relocate its training base to Mexico and facing major visa hurdles.
Interrogation of players, numerous fans and journalists facing travel bans.
And if that wasn’t already a embarrassing then came the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
Something simply had to give.
It did.
Three red cards in the very first game capped a dramatic opening day of the month-long global football spectacle.
Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 at the iconic Azteca Stadium, but the football was almost overshadowed by the dismissals and heated confrontations.
South Africa were reduced to nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off, while Mexico’s Cesar Montes also saw red late in the contest.
Remarkably, the opener produced more red cards than goals — and became the first opening match in FIFA World Cup history to feature three dismissals.
U.S. broadcaster Fox Sports have been accused of not adhering to FIFA’s rules regarding the timing of in-game advertising breaks during the coverage of Mexico vs. South Africa on Thursday.
As per FIFA’s new guidelines for this tournament in the name of player welfare, every match will be stopped roughly midway through each half for a three-minute “hydration break,” regardless of conditions.
While this provides players with the chance to cool down amid the soaring temperatures predicted across North America in June and July, it also affords broadcasters a rare chance to cut away to adverts before the traditional 15-minute halftime interval.
For a tournament expected to celebrate flair, culture and football, day one instead delivered controversy, tension and chaos.
If this is how the 2026 World Cup has begun, the rest of the tournament promises to be one wild ride.
