Piero Hincapié became the second player in World Cup history to be sent off for covering his mouth. His actions with Ecuador already trailing 2-0 and staring at a round-of-32 exit baffled a journalist who likened the thought process behind the decision to dark matter in space.

Referees haven't been shy to give out red cards. Here's the fallout of each of those infringements at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For the first time ever the first match of the World Cup is a repeat, as Mexico and South Africa reprise their 2010 showdown