Mexico outclasses South Africa as 3 sent off in World Cup opener

Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa in front of 80,824 supporters at the iconic Azteca on Thursday.

Julian Quinones scored the first goal of the tournament in the ninth minute. Erik Lira preyed on Bafana Bafana's unsightly attempt to play out of the back and forced the ball to spill to Quinones, who took two touches before firing it through the goalkeeper from the edge of the area.

Sphephelo Sithole, who surrendered possession for Mexico's opener, was sent off in the 49th minute when he denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Raul Jimenez twisted the knife later in the second half when he scored with a close-range header following a beautiful cross from Roberto Alvarado. It was Jimenez's first World Cup goal despite being selected for Mexico in 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Shortly before Jimenez doubled Mexico's lead, the introduction of 17-year-old Gilberto Mora from the bench received a loud ovation. The Tijuana midfielder, who wasn't alive for Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi, is widely tipped to be one of the breakout stars at the tournament.

South Africa went down to nine men in the 84th minute when the referee consulted the pitchside monitor and decided Themba Zwane was guilty of serious foul play during a tangle with Alvarado.

Mexico's Cesar Montes was dismissed in added time for stopping Khuliso Mudau's run toward goal.

Only four players were sent off throughout the 2022 World Cup. Three red cards is a record for a World Cup opener.

Mexico has now finally won on the opening day of a World Cup after failing to do so in its previous seven attempts. Javier Aguirre's side faces South Korea next Thursday.