Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in World Cup opener - VIDEO

Host nation Mexico launched its 2026 World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament’s opening match on Thursday.

Mexico took an early lead in the 10th minute when Julian Quinones scored the first goal of the tournament. The hosts controlled the first half, creating numerous chances while limiting South Africa’s attacking opportunities.

South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena received the first yellow card of the World Cup, with Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez booked shortly afterward.

???? Live: Mexico 1-0 South Africa

⚽️ Goal: Quinones (9’)#worldcup pic.twitter.com/bIDP7P8TnD

— DENO tv sports⚽ (@Denotvsports) June 11, 2026

Early in the second half, South African defender Yaya Sithole was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, becoming the first player to receive a red card at the tournament. The dismissal left South Africa with 10 men and marked the first red card in a World Cup opening match since Marco Etcheverry was sent off against Germany in 1994.

Mexico strengthened its attack in the 66th minute by introducing Gilberto Mora, who at 17 years and 239 days became the youngest player to represent Mexico at a World Cup.

Just a minute later, veteran striker Raul Jimenez doubled the lead with a headed goal.

#XENOPHOBIA - It's not really a good game, and South Africa concedes the second goal and two RED CARD they are reduced to 9 men
It's Mexico 2- 0 South Africa pic.twitter.com/6Xbkbbw6gC

— Umuseke.rw (@Umuseke) June 11, 2026

South Africa’s problems deepened in the 85th minute when Themba Zwane was sent off for violent conduct, reducing his side to nine players. It was the first time since the 2006 World Cup round of 16 clash between Portugal and the Netherlands that a team had two players dismissed in a World Cup match.

Mexico also finished the game with 10 men after Cesar Montes received a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity to Khuliso Mudau.

The victory puts Mexico at the top of Group A, while South Africa begins the tournament at the bottom of the standings.

Stabil.Az