Rabat – The FIFA World Cup 2026 has delivered intensity, drama, and increasingly fiery encounters during its opening group-stage matches, with disciplinary records already tumbling before the tournament has even reached its halfway point.
After only 27 games, referees have issued six red cards – already more than the total number shown during the entirety of both the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which each ended with four dismissals across 64 matches.
The rise in expulsions has reflected the tournament’s increasingly physical and emotionally charged atmosphere, with several matches boiling over during crucial moments in the group stage.
Qatar alone saw two players sent off in its heavy defeat to Canada, including Assim Madibo, whose challenge on Ismael Kone resulted in the Canadian midfielder leaving the pitch on a stretcher. Homam Ahmed was also dismissed earlier in the match after a desperate foul on Tajon Buchanan as Canada tightened its grip on the game.
South Africa’s clash against Mexico also spiraled into chaos, producing three red cards in a single match. Themba Zwane was sent off for violent conduct after contact with Brian Gutiérrez, while teammate Sphephelo Sithole received his marching orders when he brought down the same player as the last defender. Mexico defender Cesar Montes later joined them after a late challenge during stoppage time.
Elsewhere, Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović was dismissed against Switzerland after denying Breel Embolo a clear goalscoring opportunity, a moment that shifted momentum before the Swiss scored three late goals in a commanding victory.
The tournament’s intensity has also fueled wider debate among fans online, with some lauding officials for taking stronger action against dangerous play, while others argue referees have become quicker to reach for red cards under mounting pressure on football’s biggest stage.
With the knockout rounds still to come, World Cup 2026 is already on course to become one of the most ill-tempered editions in modern tournament history.
