Mexico was awarded its first red card of the World Cup in the opening match against South Africa on Thursday, June 11.
César Montes was ejected in the 92nd minute of the match after he ran into Khuliso Mudau from the side. The South African defender flew into the air and fell to the pitch. Montes received a straight red after the play.
César Montes is sent off 🟥
This is the first time 3 players have been shown a red card in a FIFA World Cup opening match pic.twitter.com/GCC20sv3gz
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 11, 2026
This was the third red card of the fixture. South Africa had gotten two red cards earlier in the game.
According to Fox Sports, this is the first time in World Cup history that three players have been shown a red card in an opening match. The tournament record is four red cards.
Mexico won the match 2-0, but now they’ll have to play the next World Cup match without one of their star players.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mexico’s César Montes red card is third of World Cup opening match
