Mexico Opens World Cup with Victory Over South Africa on a Night of Red Cards

The Mexican national team opened the 2026 World Cup by defeating the South African team 2-0 in a match held on Thursday evening at the Azteca Stadium.

The Mexican team opened the scoring through Julián Quiñones after a defensive error exploited by Érick Lira, who passed the ball to Julián, who launched a powerful shot into the net from inside the penalty area.

In the 50th minute, South Africa played with ten men after Sithole was sent off, while Raúl Jiménez scored a second goal for the Mexican team with a brilliant header in the 67th minute following a cross from Alvarado.

In the 84th minute, the video assistant referee intervened, calling the referee to review an off-the-ball incident where a South African player assaulted a Mexican player. As a result, the referee issued a red card to Themba Zwane, the South African player. Meanwhile, Mexico's César Montes was sent off for fouling a South African player in the 90+2 minute.

After this victory, the Mexican team increased its tally to 3 points, while the South African team remained without any points.