2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts Mexico launched the tournament in emphatic fashion, defeating South Africa 2-0 in a feisty and historic opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday.
Goals from Julián Quiñones in the ninth minute and veteran striker Raúl Jiménez in the second half were enough to hand El Tri a comfortable victory, but it was the three red cards — two for South Africa and one for Mexico — that dominated the headlines on the biggest night in world football.
In front of their home crowd, Mexico wasted no time setting the tone.
Colombian-born winger Julián Quiñones broke the deadlock in the ninth minute, slotting home to send the Azteca into delirium and ease the nerves of a nation watching with great expectations.
South Africa, who had hoped to replicate the spirit of their famous 2010 World Cup opener — also against Mexico — struggled to gain a foothold as Javier Aguirre’s side controlled large portions of the first half.
The second half took a dramatic turn when South African midfielder Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole was shown a straight red card in the 49th minute after bringing down Mexico’s Brian Gutiérrez on the edge of the penalty area, denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio had little hesitation in reaching for his pocket.
With the numerical advantage, Mexico pressed for a second and duly found it.
Raúl Jiménez, 35, headed home from close range to double the lead — scoring his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal in his fourth attempt at the tournament.
The veteran forward tied Jared Borgetti for second on Mexico’s all-time international scorers list with his 46th goal for El Tri.
Tears streamed down Jiménez’s face — a man who had battled back from a near-fatal skull fracture in 2020 to reach this moment on home soil.
South Africa’s evening went from bad to worse when substitute Themba Zwane was dismissed in the 84th minute after VAR adjudged him to have struck Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado in the face.
Mexico did not escape the drama either.
Captain César Montes was also shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on South Africa right back Khuliso Mudau as he burst into the penalty area.
The three red cards made the match the most contentious World Cup opener in history.
It was the first World Cup game since the infamous “Battle of Nuremberg” — Portugal versus Netherlands in 2006 — to feature three or more dismissals.
For Mexico, it was their first-ever victory in a World Cup opening match — ending a run of five defeats and two draws in openers spanning decades.
The match also featured a historic debut for teenager Gilberto Mora, who came off the bench in the second half at just 17 years and 240 days old — becoming the youngest-ever Mexican player to appear at a World Cup, and the sixth youngest in tournament history.
Mexico now sit at the top of Group A with three points, while South Africa face an uphill task in their remaining group fixtures — and will do so without Sithole and Zwane through suspension.
