Co-hosts Mexico began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a winning note, defeating South Africa 2-0 in a dramatic and ill-tempered opening match at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The encounter produced three red cards, setting a new record for the most dismissals in a World Cup opening game.
Mexico took the lead in the ninth minute when Julián Quiñones capitalized on a defensive mistake to score the first goal of the tournament, sending the home crowd into celebration. The hosts dominated much of the contest and doubled their advantage in the 67th minute through veteran striker Raúl Jiménez, whose header all but sealed the victory.
The match turned increasingly physical after the break. South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole was shown a straight red card for bringing down Brian Gutiérrez on a breakaway, before teammate Themba Zwane was also dismissed following a VAR review for violent conduct. Mexico were not spared disciplinary action, with captain César Montes receiving a red card in stoppage time as the hosts finished the game with ten men.
The three dismissals eclipsed the previous record for a World Cup opener and nearly matched the tournament record of four red cards in a single World Cup match. Remarkably, the 2022 World Cup produced only four red cards across the entire tournament.
Mexico's victory marked their first-ever win in a World Cup opening match after several unsuccessful attempts and gave Javier Aguirre's side an early advantage in Group A. They will next face South Korea, while South Africa look to bounce back against the Czech Republic.
