Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in World Cup 2026 opener amid three red cards

Mexico kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored for the co-hosts, while South Africa finished with nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off in a chaotic Group A opener.

What happened in Mexico vs South Africa at the World Cup 2026?

Quinones scored on nine minutes and Jimenez added a second in the 67th minute. South Africa were reduced to nine men through two dismissals, while Mexico's Cesar Montes also received a red card late on.

How did Mexico take the lead against South Africa?

The Azteca erupted inside nine minutes when Quinones drilled a low shot through the legs of South Africa goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams. The goal stemmed directly from Sithole being caught in possession trying to play out of the back. Mexico's fans greeted every completed pass with a chorus of "Ole!" as South Africa's players appeared overwhelmed by the occasion.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos had warned his squad about the intimidating atmosphere a capacity crowd of 80,824 would create. His words proved prophetic. The concrete arena, the only stadium to have hosted matches at three different World Cups, lived up to its fearsome reputation.

How did Mexico's second goal come about?

Mexico doubled their lead in the 67th minute through a sharp counter-attack. Roberto Alvarado advanced down the right before crossing for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jimenez, who nodded home at the far post. It was a composed finish from the veteran striker and all but ended South Africa's hopes of a comeback.

Why were South Africa players sent off?

Sithole had already endured a difficult afternoon before his 49th-minute dismissal, when he brought down Mexico's Brian Gutierrez as he broke clear on goal. South Africa's misery deepened in the 84th minute when Zwane was sent off following a VAR review for catching Alvarado with an arm to the face. The two red cards left Broos's side with an almost impossible task in the closing stages.

Did Mexico also finish the game with a red card?

Mexico defender Cesar Montes was shown a red card in the closing minutes for a clumsy challenge on Khulisa Mudau on the edge of the penalty area, adding a final twist to an already dramatic evening. The dismissal meant three players were sent off in total across the match. Despite the late drama, Mexico held on comfortably to claim all three points and begin their World Cup 2026 campaign in style.