2026 FIFA World Cup Sees Record Red Cards: A Look at the Dismissals

Record Red Cards in 2026 FIFA World Cup

Inglewood, USA - As the 2026 FIFA World Cup progresses, the tournament has already equaled the total number of red cards issued during the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, reaching a total of eight dismissals, as reported by a sports network.

The most recent red card was issued during Belgium's Group G match against Iran, where Nathan Ngoy received a straight red in the 66th minute for a foul on Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi. The match concluded in a 0-0 stalemate, with Belgium finishing the game with only ten players.

According to the sports network, the current count of eight red cards is double the four recorded in both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Notably, six of these dismissals have been straight red cards.

Historically, the record for the most red cards in a single FIFA World Cup stands at 28, achieved in the 2006 tournament, which included nine straight red cards. The 2010 World Cup saw 17 red cards, while 2014 had a total of 10 dismissals.

Ngoy's dismissal was a pivotal moment in the Belgium vs. Iran match, leading to Belgium's struggle to maintain their position on the field. Other notable red cards in the ongoing tournament include Paraguay's Miguel Almiron, who was sent off after a VAR review against Turkey, and Qatar's Assim Madibo and Homam Ahmed, both dismissed in their match against Canada.

Additionally, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic received a red card against Switzerland for a foul on Breel Embolo, preventing a clear scoring opportunity. Mexico's Cesar Montes was also sent off late in their match against South Africa.

South Africa faced disciplinary issues as well, with Themba Zwane and Sphephelo Sithole both receiving red cards in their opening match against Mexico.

With the current total at eight, it remains to be seen if the number of red cards will surpass the 10 issued in the 2014 World Cup or even the 17 from the 2010 edition.