The days of frequent red cards in World Cup matches seems behind us—until now!
In the opening game, Mexico triumphed over South Africa 2-0, but not without drama. South Africa’s Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off, along with Mexico’s Cesar Montes in stoppage time.
After the low red card counts in Russia and Qatar, where only four were shown throughout, it feels like a return to a different time. It’s been 20 years since three players were dismissed in a single match during the 2006 finals.
Could we be witnessing a resurgence of red cards? Will the 2026 World Cup be remembered for them?
Sometimes, red cards are warranted. Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s head of referees since 2017, believes in fair play and justice for both teams. Under his guidance, the rules for denying a goalscoring opportunity (Dogso) have relaxed, making red cards less frequent. It’s no surprise that the last two World Cups saw only four reds.
Refereeing can set the tone for a tournament. Collina’s focus on player behavior, rather than strict penalties, suggests we shouldn’t expect a surge in red cards.
Sithole’s dismissal for fouling Brian Gutierrez was clear-cut. He denied a clear goalscoring chance, and the referee made the right call.
Zwane’s red card, however, sparked debate. A video assistant referee reviewed a tussle with Alvarado, leading to a contentious decision. While it seemed harsh, it aligns with Collina’s aim to curb poor player conduct.
The third red card for Montes was also debated. Initially seen as controversial, replays showed that Mudau likely would have controlled the ball in the area. The decision was supportable, even if it felt harsh at first.
Collina’s approach isn’t about excessive red cards; it’s about fair play. This World Cup might just be an anomaly in a longer tournament. Let’s hold off on worrying about referees just yet!
