In the 50th minute, Yaya Sithole of South Africa was sent off. The television broadcast's scoreboard immediately displayed a red card icon, accompanied by a four-word English explanation: "Down to 10 players".

South Africa lost a second player in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane received a red card. This time, the explanation expanded to 56 words: "South Africa's player count is reduced to 9 players as two players have been disqualified. Both received red cards, meaning they cannot continue to play. As a result, the team is forced to continue the match with only 9 players on the field. This is a significant disadvantage, making winning more difficult."

Explanation of South Africa's first red card on live broadcast of Mexico's 2-0 win over South Africa in the opening match of Group A of the 2026 World Cup on 11/6.

Explanation of South Africa's second red card.

The detailed explanations of basic football rules sparked debate among fans. On X, New York Times journalist Rory Smith quipped: "Ah, so that's what a red card means". User @Al mechanic wrote: "I don't believe this is real". Another user, @Braylon Breeze, commented: "There's no reason for a 'Down to 10 players' graphic when a red card icon is already present".

However, many argued that football is not as popular in the US as American football or basketball. Therefore, the broadcaster's explanations served to educate new viewers, despite the US having hosted the 1994 World Cup. User @James Knight viewed this as a necessary reminder for US television audiences, writing on X: "This could be the first time many Americans watch a football match. So, the explanation is still good even if it takes up a lot of screen space".

The 2026 World Cup also introduced a new FIFA rule: a mandatory three-minute break in each half for players to hydrate in hot weather. Referees will pause matches at the 22nd minute of each half for this purpose.

Broadcasters, however, utilized these breaks for advertisements. While some maintained on-field visuals with small graphic overlays, others completely cut to commercial videos, interrupting the viewing experience.

The Independent journalist Miguel Delany criticized these interruptions, stating: "These water break commercials are terrible. They are anti-football. They distract viewers, and by the time you come back, the match has already started". User @Vince Rugari on X questioned the necessity of such breaks in every match, remarking: "Mexico City seems to be 24 degrees Celsius. The water break could be omitted. It's terrible".

Compiled by Trung Thu