Mexico defeats South Africa 2-0 in World Cup opener, earning three red cards.

Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2‑0 win over a nine‑man South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, the first match of the tournament’s largest edition.

Julian Quí­nones scored the first goal, followed by veteran striker Raúl Jiménez, giving the co‑hosts a strong start to their Group A campaign.

South Africa finished the match with only nine players after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off.

The Mexican‑colored red, green and white smoke from the pre‑game fireworks had barely cleared when Quí­nones struck a low shot past South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams in the ninth minute.

The goal elicited a roar from the Azteca’s 80,824‑seat stands, the only stadium to have hosted matches in three World Cups.

South African coach Hugo Broos had warned his squad about the intimidating atmosphere, but the visitors appeared rattled as Mexican fans cheered each pass with “Ole!” in the opening minutes.

Sithole, in particular, seemed unsettled, and his afternoon ended when he was dismissed in the 49th minute after a reckless tackle on Mexico’s Brian Gutiérrez, who was on a clear goal‑scoring opportunity.

Mexico extended their lead in the 67th minute with a counter‑attack that saw Roberto Alvarado deliver a cross to Jiménez, who headed the ball into the net at the far post.

South Africa’s situation worsened in the 84th minute when Zwane was sent off after a VAR review for striking Alvarado with an arm.

In the final minutes, Mexican defender César Montes received a red card for a careless challenge on Khulisa Mudau near the penalty area.

AFP