There were compelling reasons for the dismissals in Mexico vs South Africa, says The Athletic's refereeing expert Graham Scott

Mexico's win over South Africa on Thursday broke a record many may have not seen coming as the glass ceiling for red cards in a World Cup opener was smashed.

Nine-man Bafana Bafana found themselves on the wrong side of history after a fiery 2-0 opening-day loss to Mexico shattered 32-year discipline records.

Three players were sent off in the World Cup opener as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. Are we about to see a World Cup littered with red cards?

Red card punishment explained as opening game is overshadowed - History was made in tournament opener - but for all the wrong reasons

The FIFA World Cup 2026 opener witnessed an extraordinary three red cards as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. South Africa finished with nine players, while Mexico ended the match with 10 men. Was it player indiscipline,