New Delhi, June 12 -- The FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Mexico and South Africa went into history books after the opening match of the tournament saw as many as three red cards at the historic Estadio Azteca on Thursday night. Although Mexico won 2-0, but it will be remembered for the three straight dismissals - first in an opening match of a FIFA World Cup in its 96-year history.

While Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off for South Africa, Cesar Montes was shown a red card for the tournament co-host Mexico. Notably, all three were straight red cards, meaning none of the ejected players were given two yellows.

The record for most red cards in a FIFA World Cup match happened in 2006 when Portugal vs Netherlands game saw f...