Majority of football fans worldwide have been left wondering if the ongoing world cup tournament will go down in history as the one with the most bookings.
About 87 yellow cards and seven red cards have been issued at the tournament so far.
In the previous world cup, only four red cards were given in 2022 FIFA world cup in Qatar.
During the world cup 2026 first game, three red cards were issued.
In the opener between Mexico and South Africa, the referee handed three red cards in a single game becoming the highest number of red cards issued in that tournament.
Brazilian Referee Wilton Sampaio gave three red cards in the opener of the world cup where Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0.
South Africa was reduced to nine men while Mexico to ten in the opener.
Sphephele “Yaya” Shithole was the first player to be red carded in the world cup.
The Bafana Bafana were reduced to nine men in the 84th minute after substitute Themba Zanwe was red carded for slapping the face of Alvarado.
Then in 92 minute Mexico were also reduced to 10 men after Cesar Montes made a late challenge on Khuliso Mudau.
In Another match where Canada played against Qatar the latter received two red cards as Homam Ahmed was red carded in the 33 minutes and Asim Madibo in the 53 minutes where Qatar were mercilessly whipped 6-0.
Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player to be red-carded in the new rules after he covered his mouth in the in their game against Turkey.
New rules prohibit players from covering their mouths during an argument.
Bosnia Herzegovina Tarik Muharemović was sent off against Switzerland.
Edited by John Majau
