Mexico opens expanded World Cup with victory amid record disciplinary breaches

Co-host Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, commencing the largest tournament in history at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday. The result marks the first time Mexico has won a World Cup opener, ending a previous record of five losses and two draws in such fixtures, including a 2010 encounter against then-host South Africa. The match also established the Estadio Azteca as the first stadium to host three World Cup finals, having previously held the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.

Mexico took an early lead when Julián Quiñones scored in the ninth minute, striking low through the legs of South African goalkeeper Rowen Williams. The goal stood as the earliest to start a World Cup since Philipp Lahm scored for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes in 2006. Quiñones, who was the top scorer in the Saudi league during the previous season, provided the initial advantage for the host nation in front of more than 80,000 spectators.

South Africa’s capacity to respond was significantly compromised by disciplinary issues, beginning in the second half when midfielder Sphephelo Sithole received a straight red card for a foul on Brian Gutiérrez near the edge of the box. The dismissal occurred after Gutiérrez had been taken down while through on goal, a moment that drew brief frustration from the home crowd before Mexico extended their lead.

Raúl Jiménez capitalised on the numerical advantage to head in Mexico’s second goal midway through the second half. The strike marked Jiménez’s 46th international goal, tying him with Jared Borgetti for second place on Mexico’s all-time scoring list, six goals behind leader Javier Hernández. The victory also saw the debut of 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, who became the youngest player to represent Mexico in a World Cup at 17 years and 240 days old.

The match concluded with a record number of sendings-off for an opening World Cup game. Following a VAR review, South Africa’s Themba Zwane was shown a red card for striking Roberto Alvarado, marking the first time since 2006 that a team received two red cards in a single World Cup match. Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio issued a third red card to Mexico’s César Montes in stoppage time, bringing the total to three.

The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, features an expanded field of 48 teams competing in 104 matches over a 39-day period. The competition will conclude on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the final will feature a historic half-time show curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. Mexico, currently holding three points in Group A, will next face South Korea in Guadalajara, while South Africa is scheduled to play Czechia in Atlanta.