Red cards mania? Stats about the dramatic opener between Mexico and South Africa

The opener of  WC 2026 has already finished as the host won the game. Here are some stats about it.

2 - South Africa are the first team to receive two red cards in a FIFA World Cup match since 2006, when both Portugal and Netherlands had two players sent off in their round of 16 clash.

3 - In the first game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there were three red cards awarded. At the 2022 World Cup, only four red cards were shown in 64 games overall.

1 - Mexico's Gilberto Mora is the first player born after the 2006 FIFA World Cup final to appear in a World Cup match.

1 -  Mexico's Julián Quiñones is the first player from a CONCACAF nation to score the opening goal at a FIFA World Cup tournament.

18 - This edition will be Mexico’s 18th appearance at the men’s World Cup, a record for any CONCACAF nation, but they have also played the most matches without ever lifting the trophy (60).