Co-hosts Mexico launched the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa in a dramatic opening match that produced a record three red cards at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The Group A clash marked the official start of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup and the first tournament to be jointly hosted by three nations. More than 80,000 fans packed the stadium as Mexico finally secured its first opening-match victory at a World Cup after failing to win any of its previous seven tournament openers.
Mexico took control early when forward Julián Quiñones scored the tournament’s first goal in the ninth minute. The breakthrough came after South Africa lost possession in a dangerous area, allowing Mexico to capitalise and send the home crowd into celebration.
The match turned increasingly physical after the break. South African midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was sent off shortly after halftime for denying a goalscoring opportunity, leaving his side with ten men. Mexico pressed their advantage and doubled their lead in the 67th minute when veteran striker Raúl Jiménez headed home from a cross to make it 2-0. The goal was particularly emotional for Jiménez, who scored his first-ever World Cup goal at the age of 35.
South Africa’s problems deepened in the 84th minute when captain Themba Zwane received a straight red card following a VAR review for violent conduct, reducing his team to nine men. Mexico also finished with ten players after defender César Montes was sent off in stoppage time, bringing the total number of dismissals to three. The figure set a new record for a World Cup opening match.
Despite the comfortable result, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre suggested his side could have won by a larger margin, pointing to several missed opportunities throughout the match.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos acknowledged the challenge posed by the red cards but maintained that his team showed encouraging defensive resilience for long periods against the hosts. He also questioned the decision that led to Zwane’s dismissal.
The victory gives Mexico an early advantage in Group A, which also includes the Czech Republic and South Korea. Mexico will next face South Korea, while South Africa must quickly regroup ahead of its crucial second group-stage match against the Czech Republic.
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