‎Three red cards as Mexico defeat South Africa 2-0 in explosive World Cup curtain-raiser

Mexico made a winning start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over South Africa in an eventful Group A opener at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Thursday night.
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The co-hosts thrilled a packed home crowd of more than 80,000 fans, with Julian Quiñones scoring the tournament’s first goal before Raul Jimenez sealed the result in a match that produced three red cards and several controversial moments.
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Mexico wasted little time asserting themselves, taking the lead after just nine minutes. South African midfielder Yaya Sithole lost possession in a dangerous area near his own penalty box, allowing Quiñones to pounce and fire past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, sending the Azteca into celebration.
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‎The hosts continued to dominate proceedings throughout the first half and could have extended their advantage before the break. Williams produced several important saves to deny Jimenez, while Quiñones struck the woodwork as Mexico repeatedly threatened the South African defence.
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‎South Africa’s task became even more difficult shortly after the restart when Sithole’s difficult evening worsened. The midfielder was shown a straight red card after bringing down Bryan Gutierrez as the last defender, reducing Bafana Bafana to ten men.
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‎Despite their numerical advantage, Mexico had to wait until the 67th minute to secure breathing space. Roberto Alvarado delivered a precise cross to the far post where Jimenez rose to head home Mexico’s second goal and his first ever strike at a FIFA World Cup. The veteran striker celebrated emotionally, reflecting on a remarkable journey back to football’s biggest stage following the serious head injury he suffered in 2020.
‎The drama was far from over.
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‎South Africa were reduced to nine men in the 84th minute after substitute Themba Zwane was sent off following a VAR review. Match officials judged that Zwane had struck Alvarado during an off-the-ball altercation, prompting the tournament’s first video-assisted intervention.
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‎Mexico also finished the match with ten men after defender Cesar Montes received a straight red card in stoppage time for bringing down Khalisu Madau during a South African counterattack. The decision sparked debate, with many believing a yellow card would have been sufficient.
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