Five goals, four water breaks, three red cards and a spectacular opening ceremony – that is what the first day of the 2026 World Cup (hosted in North America from June 11 to July 19) delivered for fans.
The curtain-raiser was Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, where Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio brandished three red cards – two for South Africa (Yaya Sithole, Themba Zwane) and one for Mexico (Cesar Montes). This figure nearly matches the total red cards from the two previous World Cups (Qatar 2022 and Russia 2018, each with just 4 red cards) and falls one short of the notorious “Battle of Nuremberg” in 2006 (between Portugal and the Netherlands), which holds the record for a single match with 4 red cards. The 2006 tournament in Germany still holds the overall record of 28 red cards.
Controversy surrounds Zwane's red card. Initially, the referee showed a yellow card for the clash with Mexico's Roberto Alvarado, but after consulting VAR, Sampaio upgraded it to red for “violent conduct.” South Africa coach Hugo Broos argued the decision was too harsh: “I think the Mexican player blocked my player. That is the referee's decision and we have to accept it, but I don't think it was a red card – it was too soft for a red.”
Another new feature on opening day was the mandatory water break (one per half, lasting three minutes, regardless of weather) introduced by FIFA to prioritize player health. This rule drew criticism from fans and coaches. In the U.S., Fox cut to commercials during the break, causing viewers to miss some action. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed mixed views: “I don't like it. I only see it as necessary when the weather is extreme. For me, it's 50-50. For the coaching staff, it is a chance to adjust, but it's part of the game and we accept it. I disagree, but it's not a big issue.”
In the other Group A match, South Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1. Despite star Son Heung-min missing several chances, teammates Oh Hyeon-gyu and Hwang In-beom each scored a goal, securing a late victory for the Taeguk Warriors. South Korea played controlled, flexible football, while the Czech Republic relied heavily on set pieces and direct play. The crowd of mostly Mexican supporters at the Estadio Guadalajara energized the South Korean players.
