2026 World Cup Countdown - Day 1: One World Cup record that will never be broken

Josip Simunic receives three yellow cards in a single World Cup match

In June 2006, Australia and Croatia went head-to-head for the prize of reaching the knockouts, and while the thrilling Group F decider ended 2-2 thanks to a late Harry Kewell strike, the overriding talking point was the referee - and a feat that we will surely never see again.

In the 61st minute, Josip Simunic was shown a yellow card for a foul on Kewell, and received his second booking of the game in the 90th minute - but referee Graham Poll failed to brandish his red card, forgetting he had already cautioned the Croatia defender. Poll has since explained this error, stating that he accidentally noted down the name of Australia's number three, rather than Croatia's number three, for Simunic's second offence.

However, Simunic wouldn't last much longer anyway, as after the final whistle was blown, the Croatian angrily approached the referee and was ultimately sent off for a second bookable offence - which was actually his third, etching his name into the history books with a World Cup feat that will never be repeated.

With VAR and the like, a mistake like this simply won't be allowed to happen again, so despite losing the game and seeing his World Cup dream ended by the Aussies, Josip Simunic will forever be remembered as the man who got three yellow cards in a single World Cup match.

If you've enjoyed this look back in time, why not check out our 2026 World Cup content hub, packed with articles studying every detail of this summer's tournament. From players to watch, match previews, and Golden Ball odds to group-stage explainers, dark horses to keep an eye on, and a deep dive into England's chances, we really do cover all bases.

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Triumph would see Thomas Tuchel guide the Three Lions to their first major trophy since 1966, ending 60 years of hurt, and with elite-level talent all over the pitch, they arrive in North America as one of the frontrunners. England's odds of winning the World Cup have been boosted to 9/1, which offers great value for the team currently third-favourite to go all the way.

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