Which World Cup match holds the all-time record for red cards?
Wilton Sampaio handed out three red cards during a chaotic 2026 World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
Chaos erupted at the 2026 World Cup opener as Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa. Three players were sent off by Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio before the final whistle: Sphephelo Sithole in the 50th minute, Themba Zwane in the 84th, and César Montes in stoppage time (90+2′).
With multiple ejections already in the books after the tournament’s very first match, high intensity and drama are clearly on the menu for this World Cup. The fiery opener also raises a massive question: Is this the match with the most red cards in tournament history?
Most red cards in a World Cup match
While Mexico vs. South Africa was undoubtedly chaotic, it doesn’t hold the all-time record. That infamous title belongs to the “Battle of Nuremberg.”
During the 2006 World Cup, a fiery clash between Portugal and the Netherlands saw referee Valentin Ivanov hand out two red cards to each side. Costinha and Deco were dismissed for the Portuguese, while Khalid Boulahrouz and Giovanni van Bronckhorst saw red for the Dutch.
Who is Wilton Sampaio, referee of Mexico vs South Africa?
Sampaio made his professional refereeing debut in Brazil’s top flight in 2009 and quickly established himself as one of the country’s most highly regarded officials. By 2012, he had been recognized among the best referees in the Brasileirão, and a year later he earned his FIFA badge.
Since then, Sampaio has built an extensive international résumé. He has become a regular presence in both the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, while also working at the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup. At the international level, he has officiated Copa América matches, World Cup qualifiers, and games at both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.
His experience makes him one of the most decorated officials available to FIFA and CONMEBOL heading into the tournament.
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment