The 2026 FIFA World Cup got off to a dramatic start in Mexico City as co-hosts Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in a fiery opening match that produced more red cards than goals. Sixteen years after the two nations shared a 1-1 draw in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, Mexico made home advantage count at Estadio Azteca, securing all three points through goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. Yet the biggest talking point was a chaotic disciplinary record that saw three players sent off, making it the first World Cup opening match in history to feature three red cards.
Quiñones scores first goal of World Cup 2026
Mexico made the perfect start and needed only nine minutes to take the lead. After Érik Lira won possession from Siphephelo Sithole, Julián Quiñones reacted quickest, collected the loose ball near the edge of the area and fired home to score the opening goal of the 2026 World Cup. The goal settled Javier Aguirre’s side, who controlled possession for large periods and dictated the tempo throughout the evening.
Mexico’s Julian Quinones, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Quiñones nearly added a second before half-time when he struck the post, while South Africa struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities.
South Africa’s night unravels
South Africa’s task became significantly harder after Siphephelo Sithole was shown a straight red card. The midfielder, who had already been involved in the turnover that led to Mexico’s opening goal, was dismissed after bringing down Brian Gutiérrez just outside the penalty area as the Mexican midfielder burst towards goal. The challenge denied a clear attacking opportunity and referee Wilton Sampaio had little hesitation in producing the red card.
Referee Wilton Sampaio a red card to South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole, left, during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Raúl Jiménez took the resulting free-kick but fired directly into the South African wall. Reduced to 10 men, Hugo Broos’ side attempted to stay organised, but Mexico continued to dominate possession and territory.
Jiménez doubles the lead as second red card follows
Mexico eventually found the second goal in the 67th minute. Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez finished from close range with a header to make it 2-0 and put the hosts firmly in control. The goal sparked huge celebrations inside the stadium and came shortly after one of the loudest ovations of the night greeted the introduction of Gilberto Mora. At just 17 years old, Mora is the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup and the teenage midfielder was handed his tournament debut as a substitute. South Africa’s evening then deteriorated further when Themba Zwane was shown a straight red card following a VAR review. The referee determined that Zwane’s challenge on Roberto Alvarado amounted to violent conduct, leaving Bafana Bafana with only nine players on the pitch. The dismissal made South Africa only the second team in World Cup history to have two players sent off in an opening match, following Cameroon against Argentina in 1990.
Mexico also finish with 10 men
There was still time for one more dismissal. Deep into stoppage time, Mexico defender César Montes was shown a straight red card for preventing a South African scoring opportunity. The sending-off reduced Mexico to 10 men and ensured the match ended with 10 Mexican players facing nine South Africans. It also created a new World Cup record, with three red cards shown in a tournament opener for the first time. Mexico’s superiority was reflected throughout the numbers. The hosts enjoyed 61 per cent possession compared to South Africa’s 39 per cent and completed 491 passes at an impressive 91 per cent accuracy rate. Mexico also generated significantly more attacking threat, finishing with 15 shots compared to South Africa’s four.
Goals
- 9′ — Julián Quiñones (Mexico) 1-0
- 67′ — Raúl Jiménez (Mexico) 2-0
Yellow cards
- 16′ — Teboho Mokoena (South Africa), for a rash challenge
- 22′ — Brian Gutiérrez (Mexico), for a tactical foul stopping a counter-attack
- 73′ — Nkosinathi Sibisi (South Africa), for a reckless challenge
Red cards
- Siphephelo Sithole (South Africa) — straight red for bringing down Brian Gutiérrez and denying a clear attacking opportunity
- Themba Zwane (South Africa) — straight red after VAR review for violent conduct on Roberto Alvarado
- César Montes (Mexico) — straight red for preventing a South African goalscoring opportunity in stoppage time
What next?
Mexico begin Group A with three points and will face South Korea on June 18 carrying momentum from an impressive opening-night performance. South Africa, meanwhile, must quickly regroup after a frustrating and ill-disciplined evening. Hugo Broos’ side will take on Czechia on June 18 knowing another defeat could leave their hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging by a thread.
