Why Mexico got a red card to go down to 10 men on Cesar Montes tackle
Of the three red cards in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — yes, three — this one felt the toughest.
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Mexico’s Cesar Montes was sent off with a red card in stoppage time. It won’t impact the result, but it will change things for the Mexican side going forward with a suspension for Montes.
«That’s a harsh red card,» Fox announcer Landon Donovan said on the broadcast moments after the red card was given.
Mexico was up 2-0 at the time, and well on its way to a victory. It was a tough one for Montes, though.
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Why did Mexico’s Cesar Montes get a red card?
The red card was given for denying a goalscoring opportunity.
The question will be whether Montes actually did that, though.
South Africa was on a counterattack, and a shifty move forced Montes to get in the way.
Fox’s referee analyst, Mark Clattenburg, agreed with the decision. Donovan didn’t.
You can watch it here:
César Montes is sent off 🟥
This is the first time 3 players have been shown a red card in a FIFA World Cup opening match pic.twitter.com/GCC20sv3gz
Read more Mexico vs. South Africa live score, result, highlights from 2026 World Cup opening match
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 11, 2026
It seems a bit of a tough break for Mexico.
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