▲ Themba Zwane of South Africa receives a red card during the tournament's opening match against Mexico.
South African midfielder Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), who was sent off in the opening match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, has been handed a three-match suspension and is expected to miss the final group stage match against South Korea.
FIFA announced on June 18 (Korea Standard Time) that "Zwane of South Africa, who was sent off after receiving a red card in the Mexico-South Africa match, has been suspended for three matches for violating Article 14, Paragraph 1, Clause e) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code."
This clause allows for a minimum suspension of two matches for serious foul play.
While the possibility of an appeal remains, if the suspension is upheld, Zwane will be unable to play in the Group A second match against the Czech Republic in Atlanta, USA, on June 19, as well as the third match against South Korea at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on June 25.
Zwane was substituted into the tournament's opening match of Group A, held at Mexico City Stadium on June 12, but was shown a red card late in the game for a reckless foul, which included striking the face of opposing player Roberto Alvarado.
At the time, South Africa was already at a numerical disadvantage after midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was sent off earlier in the second half. With Zwane also leaving the pitch, the team suffered a 0-2 defeat.
The 36-year-old attacking midfielder, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns—the club with the most titles (15) in South Africa's top league—has been a member of the South African senior national team since 2014, appearing in over 50 matches.
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos said in a press conference after the match against Mexico, "I have nothing to say about the first red card, but regarding the second sending-off, a Mexican player blocked our player, yet the referee made a different decision."
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.