The current edition of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has continued to produce remarkable statistics across all levels, with the abundance of goals not the only talking point — dismissals have also been making headlines.
The Belgium versus Iran match witnessed the eighth sending-off of the tournament, which is still in the second round of the group stage, after Belgium's Nathan Ngoy was dismissed in the 66th minute of a match that ended in a goalless draw.
This was the eighth such incident in the current edition, meaning the 2026 World Cup has already equalled the total number of red cards recorded across the 2018 Russia and 2022 Qatar tournaments combined.
The previous edition of the tournament saw just 4 dismissals — the same number recorded at the 2018 edition.
The 2006 Germany World Cup holds the record for the highest number of dismissals with 28 red cards, followed by the 1998 France World Cup with 19, and then the 1990 Italy, 2002 South Korea and Japan, and 2010 South Africa World Cups, each of which recorded 16 red cards.
The dismissals at the United States, Mexico and Canada World Cup began with South Africa's Sfiso Sithole against Mexico, for obstruction and denial of a clear goal-scoring opportunity, followed by his compatriot Themba Zwane in the same match, for a violent challenge and assault on an opponent's face.
In that same match, Mexico's César Montes received a red card for a strong, late challenge in the dying seconds of second-half stoppage time.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tarik Mehremović was also shown a red card against Switzerland, after fouling Swiss striker Breel Embolo and denying him a clear run on goal.
Qatar's Homam Ahmed was dismissed against Canada for fouling Canadian striker Tajon Buchanan on the edge of the penalty area, while the same match also saw Assim Madibo sent off for a strong challenge from behind that caused an injury to Canadian player Ismaël Koné.
Paraguay's Miguel Almirón received a red card against Turkey in the first direct dismissal under the new rule penalising players for covering their mouths during altercations.
The eighth dismissal came via Belgium's Nathan Ngoy, following a foul on Iran's Mehdi Taremi as he bore down on goal alone.