Three red cards in World Cup opening game as Mexico beat S'Africa 2-0

Mexico won the 2026 World Cup opening match against South Africa 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca. Julian Quinones scored the opening goal in the 9th minute, and Raul Jimenez added a second in the second half. South Africa finished with nine men after red cards to Sphephelo Sithole (49th minute) and Themba Zwane (84th minute following a VAR review). Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio issued the dismissals.