Were the three reds in Mexico-South Africa fair? VAR analysis
Wilton Sampaio and the VAR were the focus of three expulsions in Mexico-South Africa 1-0 at the 2026 World Cup; a former FIFA referee analyzes them.
In the group stage match of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico beat South Africa 1‑0, but the match was marked by three expulsions decided by Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio and his VAR team, which received both praise and criticism. The red cards were applied to key players: South African defender Sphephelo Sithole for a violent tackle, Mexican midfielder Brian Gutiérrez after a foul that prevented a clear scoring opportunity, and forward Themba Zwane for an attack that the VAR considered serious violent conduct. A former FIFA referee, Nicolás Gallo Barragán, breaks down each case under the VAR protocol.
