Three red cards shown in opening game of World Cup
Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio shows red cards to South Africa's Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane as well as Mexico's Cesar Montes during the opening match of the 2026 World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium.
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Key People
Cesar Montes is a Mexican football player who received a red card in the World Cup opener.
César Montes is a Mexican soccer player who was shown a red card during the opening match of the World Cup.
Themba Zwane is a South African player who was sent off during the match.
Wilton Pereira Sampaio is a Brazilian referee known for officiating international football matches.
Yaya Sithole is a South African midfielder who made his World Cup debut in 2026.
All Coverage
Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio shows red cards to South Africa's Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane as well as Mexico's Cesar Montes during the opening match of the 2026 World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium.
The opening match of the World Cup delivered a rarity in international soccer: three players sent off with red cards.
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