❌ Nightmare start at the World Cup! Sithole at fault for goal, sees red

In partnership with

OneFootball

·11 June 2026

❌ Nightmare start at the World Cup! Sithole at fault for goal, sees red

Things could hardly have gone much worse for South Africa’s Yaya Sithole in the World Cup opener against hosts Mexico. The 27-year-old endured a real nightmare on his World Cup debut. In a way, his name says it all.

After just under nine minutes, the man wearing number 13 miscontrolled the ball just in front of his own penalty area, which ultimately led to Mexico taking the lead.

OneFootball Videos

🇿🇦 It’s hard to remember a worse World Cup performance than this of Yaya Sithole. ❌ 9' — Gives ball away for Mexico goal 🟥 49' — Sent off Sithole by name...
– Thursday, 11 June 2026

Shortly after the half-time break, Sithole was once again in the spotlight. After losing a foot race with Gutierrez, he made a last-man challenge and was accordingly shown a red card.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 Carl Recine - 2026 Getty Images

View publisher imprint

❌ Nightmare start at the World Cup! Sithole at fault for goal, sees red

OneFootball Videos

Mentioned in this article

South Africa

Mexico

FIFA World Cup™

MORE STORIES

❌ Nightmare start at the World Cup! Sithole at fault for goal, sees red | OneFootball

❌ Nightmare start at the World Cup! Sithole at fault for goal, sees red

OneFootball Videos

South Africa

Mexico

FIFA World Cup™

MORE STORIES