South Africa attacking midfielder Themba Zwane faces a three-match suspension following the red card he received against Mexico in the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has ruled — subject to appeal.
Zwane was dismissed in the 84th minute of Bafana Bafana's 2-0 defeat at the Azteca Stadium on June 11, after a VAR review determined he had illegally raised his arm on Roberto Alvarado. The ruling came despite South Africa being in possession and on the attack at the moment of the incident.
A standard red card carries a one-match ban, but the Disciplinary Committee classified the incident as serious foul play and added two further matches to the sanction, bringing the total to three games.
Broos unhappy with the decision
South Africa coach Hugo Broos had already accepted the earlier red card shown to Sphephelo 'Yaya' Sithole but was far less understanding about Zwane's dismissal.
