Seven FIFA World Cup matches that featured three or more red cards

There are a total of seven such games in the history of the flagship tournament.

The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup is now underway. The mega competition is taking place in three different countries this time around. Canada, Mexico and the USA are the host nations for the 104-game tournament.

Led by Javier Aguirre, the Mexico national football team battled it out against the South Africa national football team in the opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The game ended in favour of the co-hosts because of their top-of-the-line performance. El Tri will now be confident for their upcoming outing. On the other hand, there is pressure piling up on Bafana Bafana.

Over the years, officiating at the grandest stage of football has become strict. Players cannot afford the moments of slightest of indiscipline. With a direct red card, they can face a brutal punishment of being sidelined for 1 to 3 games. In the worst-case scenario, the ban can be further increased by FIFA. There have been different matches in the World Cup where there are three or more red cards.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

World Cup matches with three or more red cards

Portugal vs Netherlands

In total, four players were sent off during this World Cup round of 16 fixture between Portugal and Netherlands. This game from the 2006 edition of the mega competition is considered the most violent game in the history of the flagship tournament. Russian referee Valentin Ivanov sent off Costinha and Deco for Portugal. For the Oranje, he gave straight red cards to Khalid Boulahrouz and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Mexico vs South Africa

This is the most physical opening game of any edition of the FIFA World Cup. Co-hosts Mexico came out on top with a 2-0 win in the first game of the 2026 World Cup. A total of three red cards were shown during the game. Brazil’s Wilton Sampaio did not make mistakes when he sent off Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane from Bafana Bafana.

Then, while trying to stop the counterattack, Mexico’s captain Cesar Montes did not think straight and went for a reckless challenge. He received a red card during the final moments of the game.

Croatia vs Australia

The fixture is also known for a blunder made by English referee Graham Poll, where he showed three yellow cards to Josip Šimunić of Croatia before showing him a straight red. Dario Šimić was the other Vatreni star that was sent off. Australia’s Brett Emerton was shown a red card after his violent display on the field. The chaotic game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Brazil vs Czechoslovakia

This is the first-ever game of the FIFA World Cup which saw three red cards. Players from both nations came up with a display of violence in the game of football in 1938. Zezé Procópio and Arthur Machado from Brazil were given the straight reds, while Jan Říha of Czechoslovakia was sent off. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Several stars suffered brutal injuries.

Hungary vs Brazil

In 1954, Hungary came out on top to defeat Brazil by 4-2 to secure a berth in the World Cup semifinal. Both sides came up with a quality display of football, but it turned into a violent affair after József Bozsik (Hungary) and Nílton Santos (Brazil) got into a fist fight.

Both of these players were shown straight red cards. Later, in the 79th minute, A Selecao’s Humberto Tozzi came in with a flying kick on Gyula Lóránt of Hungary, which was enough to send him off the field with a direct red card.

Italy vs USA

The group stage fixture of the 2006 FIFA World Cup ended in a 1-1 draw. While the contest looked like an equally matched clash, the disciplinary chaos soon took over. In the first half, Italy’s Daniele De Rossi was sent off after his reckless elbow tackle.

Pablo Mastroeni of the USA football team was shown a straight red card because of a poor challenge on Andre Pirlo. Eddie Pope (USA) was the third player to be suspended. He was given a second yellow card early in the second half.

South Africa vs Denmark

This is another fixture with three red cards. The group stage game of the 1998 World Cup ended in a 1-1 draw. Denmark’s Miklos Molnar and Morten Wieghorst were sent off due to their indiscipline on the pitch against their opponents. For South Africa, Alfred Phiri picked up his second yellow card and was eventually sent off.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.