India, June 12 -- The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially got underway on Thursday night with Mexico vs South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The co-hosts of the tournament, Mexico, started off with a win after beating the Rainbow Nation 2-0. However, more than the result, the first match of the competition will be remembered for the three red cards issued and the players given marching orders by referee Wilton Sampaio. South Africa was reduced to nine players after Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane committed fouls, while Mexico also lost Cesar Montes in the dying moments of the game.

Speaking of the referee, who was at the thick of the action, Sampaio comes from Brazil, and he's one of the most experienced officials going around. He has bee...