South Africa midfielder Themba Zwane has been handed a three match suspension after FIFA extended the punishment from his red card against Mexico at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
FIFA confirmed the decision on Wednesday. Zwane was sent off during South Africa’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the opening Group A match at the Azteca Stadium.
The midfielder was dismissed late in the game after making contact with Mexico defender Roberto Alvarado. Zwane had entered the match as a substitute just over 20 minutes earlier.
The incident happened near the edge of the penalty area as Zwane tried to move past Alvarado. The players came together before Zwane’s hand struck the Mexican defender in the face.
South Africa finished the match with nine players. Earlier in the game, midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was also shown a red card after bringing down a Mexican player who was through on goal.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos accepted Sithole’s dismissal but questioned the decision to send off Zwane.
“The second red card we can discuss,” Broos said after the match.
“It was the Mexican player who was blocking my player. But it’s the position of the referee, and we have to accept it also, but I think it was too soft to give that as a red card.”
Broos had no complaints about the first sending off.
“The first red card, you have to accept it. Their player was going alone to the goal and Yaya fouled him, so that I can understand.”
A red card at the World Cup normally carries a one match suspension. However, FIFA’s disciplinary committee can increase the punishment in cases involving foul play.
The extended ban means South Africa will be without Zwane for their next three matches unless the decision is overturned.
FIFA said South Africa have the right to appeal the ruling.
South Africa face the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday in their second Group A match.
