Mexico Beats South Africa as World Cup Opens With Drama

By Aurax Desk | June 12, 2026 | 2 min read

Mexico launched the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a match marked by three red cards, VAR interventions and intense physical play. The tournament's opening game also highlighted several new talking points, including the expanded 48-team format and player welfare measures such as hydration breaks.

Mexico players celebrate during a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday at Estadio Azteca, delighting a home crowd of more than 80,000 spectators and giving the co-host nation an early boost in Group A. Julián Quiñones scored the tournament's first goal before Raúl Jiménez added a second-half strike as Mexico secured all three points in the first match of a World Cup being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. The tournament is the first to feature an expanded 48-team field.

The match became one of the most eventful World Cup openers on record, producing three red cards and several lengthy VAR reviews. South Africa finished with nine players after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off, while Mexico defender César Montes also received a red card in stoppage time. The disciplinary incidents made it the first World Cup opening match to feature three dismissals, underscoring the physical intensity of the contest. South Africa coach Hugo Broos said his team remained optimistic about its chances despite the defeat and will now face a crucial group-stage match against the Czech Republic.

Soccer referee displaying a red card while players from both teams react nearby.

The World Cup opener featured three red cards, making it one of the most disciplinary-heavy opening matches in tournament history.

Beyond the result, the opening day offered an early glimpse of issues likely to shape the tournament, including the impact of VAR decisions, heat-management measures such as hydration breaks and the challenges facing teams in the expanded competition format. Mexico's victory strengthened hopes of a deep run on home soil, while South Africa faces increased pressure heading into its next match. With group-stage action continuing across North America, organizers and teams will closely watch how the new format and tournament conditions influence the weeks ahead.

Sources: The Associated Press, CNN, Al Jazeera and Reuters.

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