Most Red Cards in a World Cup: How South Africa-Mexico Compares to Records for One Game, Year
Wilton Pereira Sampaio sent off three players after video assistant referee reviews, matching the total red cards shown in the 2022 World Cup.
- On Thursday, Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup opening match at Estadio Azteca before 80,000+ fans.
- Scoring in the ninth minute, Julian Quinones gave Mexico the lead, while Raul Jimenez added a second goal in the 67th minute to secure victory.
- Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio became the focal point after issuing three red cards, with one dismissal confirmed by a Video Assistant Referee review.
- South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off, followed by Mexico's Cesar Montes in the 92nd minute, marking the first three red cards in a World Cup opener.
- Amid the disciplinary drama, 17-year-old Gilberto Mora made history as the sixth-youngest player to appear in a World Cup, entering as a second-half substitute.
38 Articles
38 Articles
Wilton Sampaio Goes Viral: Brazilian Referee's English Struggles, Three Red Cards, and 'RoboCop' Headset Dominate FIFA WC 2026 Opener Talk | ⚽ LatestLY
Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio dominated headlines during the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, 2026. Sampaio issued three red cards and garnered significant social media attention for his futuristic communication headset during the fiery encounter at Estadio Azteca, which Mexico won 2-0. ⚽ Wilton Sampaio Goes Viral: Brazilian Referee's English Struggles, Three Red Cards, and 'RoboCop' Headset Domina…
Mexico is having a perfect day at the World Cup.
Five goals, three red cards. With a 2-0 victory for host nation Mexico over South Africa and, a few hours later, a 2-1 win for South Korea against the Czech Republic, the World Cup is…
Who is Wilton Sampaio? Brazilian referee hands three red cards in FIFA World Cup opener
Wilton Sampaio emerged as the unexpected focal point of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match after issuing three red cards in Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa at Estadio Azteca. Since then, his performance has sparked widespread debate and made the Brazilian referee one of the most talked-about figures of the tournament's first night. While Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez supplied the goals that gave Mexico a winning start on home soil, …
Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio is the focus after the opening game. He sets up the Red Card Record for a World Cup opener. Above all, a decision provides for discussions.
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