South Africa’s Yaya Sithole became the first player ejected from the 2026 World Cup during the tournament’s opening match against Mexico. The red card was issued in the 49th minute of the game. This early dismissal marks a notable moment in the expanded, newly-formatted World Cup. The incident also highlights increased scrutiny of officiating, as the referee is English-speaking. This is the first instance of disciplinary action under the tournament’s new regulations. Details surrounding the foul leading to the red card have not been widely released, but the decision stands as a significant event in the competition’s early stages. The match continues with Mexico holding a player advantage.