{"id":18572,"date":"2026-06-12T14:10:46","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T08:25:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=18572"},"modified":"2026-06-12T14:10:46","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T08:25:46","slug":"three-players-sent-off-as-mexico-beat-south-africa-in-2026-world-cup-opener","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=18572","title":{"rendered":"Three Players Sent Off as Mexico Beat South Africa in 2026 World Cup Opener<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

The opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 turned highly tense and controversial after three players were shown red cards.<\/p>\n

Hosts Mexico defeated South Africa in the match, but the game drew major attention because of disciplinary incidents involving players from both sides.<\/p>\n

A total of three players were sent off during the match. Two South African players and one Mexican player received red cards and were forced to leave the field.<\/p>\n

The series of red cards began in the second half. In the 49th minute, South Africa\u2019s Sphephelo Sithole was shown the first red card after bringing down an opposing player.<\/p>\n

Later, in the 84th minute, South Africa\u2019s Themba Zwane was also sent off, leaving his team reduced to nine players.<\/p>\n

Toward the end of the match, during second-half stoppage time, Mexico\u2019s Cesar Montes also received a red card. As a result, the home side finished the match with 10 players.<\/p>\n

Despite the tense atmosphere and disciplinary setbacks, Mexico secured victory over South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t <\/div><\/div>\n\t\t