World Cup 2026 opening day takeaways: Red cards, VAR and hydration breaks

The opening day of the 2026 World Cup featured three red cards in the Mexico-South Africa match, with two for South Africa (Yaya Sithole, Themba Zwane) and one for Mexico (Cesar Montes). Mexico won 2-0 with goals from Jimenez and Quinones. VAR was controversial, especially for Zwane's sending-off. South Korea also won against Czechia with a late goal. In total, five goals, four water breaks, and three red cards marked the first day.