Alan Shearer admits concern over World Cup refereeing after three red cards in opening game
Former England striker Alan Shearer is concerned over how strict the refereeing may be during the opening days of the World Cup after three red cards were shown in Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa.
The tournament opener saw Yaya Sithole sent off for bringing down Brian Gutierrez just outside of the box and was followed by team-mate Themba Zwane after a VAR review for appearing to strike Roberto Alvarado in the face during a tangle. Cesar Montes was then dismissed for the hosts in stoppage time.
Harry Latham-Coyle12 June 2026 10:35
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Lauren MacDougall12 June 2026 10:20
Last night at the World Cup: Shakira, Bocelli star in opening ceremony
In the most evocative World Cup stadium of all, the opening ceremony was not bad at all. Shakira and Andrea Bocelli, alongside EJAE, were the standout performers of a short-ish display of colour and vibrancy which was broken into two chunks – the latter a flag parade shortly before the teams emerged from the tunnel, soundtracked by Eminem and the Alan Parsons Project.
The match kicked off a couple of minutes late but, as these modern ceremonies go, Mexico City found a decent balance between domestic stars – Mana received a huge cheer – and making sure everyone recognised it was a global event. It may have been clearer inside the stadium than on TV but the USA flag was also jeered by large swathes of the Mexican support.
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 10:01
Last night at the World Cup: Host broadcaster struggles with basics
Immediately after Jimenez’s goal the teams went for their hydration break despite the temperature inside the Azteca being 23c. Whatever about the weather – because breaks will be needed on warmer days elsewhere – the underlying decision for this is an opportunity for the host broadcaster Fox, among others across the globe, to squeeze in a couple of extra ad breaks.
In the UK ITV have, creditably, decided against an endeavour that is not just insulting to viewers but the game itself. Still, Fox were late returning from one intermission and missed the restart.
And to make eyes roll even further, Fox’s graphics chief thought it was necessary to keep a permanent reminder on screen following a red card to tell viewers that it means teams have a player less on the pitch.
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 09:46
Last night at the World Cup: Raul Jimenez’s tearful celebration
Raul Jimenez was a used substitute in 2014, 2018 and 2022. He has fought back to form following a fractured skull in 2020 that put his career in jeopardy. And he may have thought that the chance to score a World Cup goal would never arrive.
But on home turf the striker, who is now El Tri’s main man, headed home in familiar style to double Mexico’s advantage. The outpouring of joy and relief was a sight to behold. Jimenez raced towards a corner flag with tears in his eyes, no doubt remembering his father who passed away in March.
In a World Cup where it is impossible not to be cynical, this moment was an antidote.
Mexico’s Raul Jimenez celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal (AP)
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 09:31
Last night at the World Cup: Red cards overshadow opener
It did not seem to be a particularly dirty game but Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio was equally left with no option but to dole out three separte red cards. The first went to Yaya Sithole, who was already at fault for gifting Mexico’s Colombian-born breakout star Julian Quinones the opening goal, after he denied a clear goalscoring opportunity early in the second period by bringing down Brian Gutierrez a yard outside the box.
There was much confusion around a VAR check before substitute Themba Zwane was dismissed for placing his hand in the face of Roberto Alvarado in an off-the-ball wrestle – although when replays were finally broadcast it seemed a cut and dry decision. And then Mexico left back Cesar Montes cynically stopped a counterattack from Khuliso Mudau and was given his marching orders for another DOGSO challenge in the final moments.
There were only four red cards in the entire 2022 World Cup. How many will be shown between now and July 19?
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 09:16
Last night at the World Cup: Empty seats in Guadalajara for South Korea v Czech Republic
After Fifa’s ticket price controversy, the consequence appears to be the prospect of thousands of empty seats at games over the course of the next few weeks.
Despite an entertaining Group A contest between South Korea and Czech Republic, empty seats at the Estadio Akron underlined the problem with spiralling costs thanks to dynamic pricing, with a reported 180,000 tickets remaining listed across Fifa’s official resale portals ahead of the tournament.
Empty seats are seen in the stands during the match (Reuters)
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 09:01
Fox criticised over World Cup 2026 coverage after missing Shakira and action during hydration breaks
US broadcaster Fox has come under fire for its coverage of the first World Cup game between Mexico and South Africa after repeated cuts to advertisements meant audiences missed parts of the action.
The television broadcast also missed the entirety of Shakira’s performance in the opening ceremony before the game which also disgruntled viewers.
Michael Jones12 June 2026 08:49
Christian Pulisic embraces pressure of leading US against Paraguay in World Cup opener
Christian Pulisic, the most accomplished and famous player on his national team, faces a unique confluence of talent and timing as the United States hosts the World Cup 2026.
Pulisic does not shy from the spotlight that will glare more brightly than ever in the next few weeks. In fact, he repeated Thursday that this challenge is “what I’ve always wanted.”
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 08:37
Will Scott McTominay be fit for Scotland’s opening game against Haiti?
Scott McTominay sat out Scotland training on Thursday as Steve Clarke continued his preparations for Sunday’s World Cup opener against Haiti.
The 29-year-old Napoli midfielder was conspicuous by his absence at the Atrium Heath Training Centre in Charlotte, North Carolina after going down with a stomach complaint.
And McTominay also travelled separately to Boston, where the the Scots get their Group C campaign under way during the early hours of Sunday morning.
Dinamo Zagreb defender Scott McKenna, also 29, was another absentee as he nursed a knock.
However, both men are expected to be fit.
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 08:25