FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico get off to winning start in opener featuring three red cards
By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Co-hosts Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico city on Thursday night, becoming the first host nation to begin the tournament with a win since France in 1998.
Julián Quiñones gave Mexico an early lead, scoring in the ninth minute after slotting the ball through the legs of South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The goal was the earliest in a World Cup opening match since Philipp Lahm scored for Germany six minutes into the 2006 tournament.
Mexico sealed the result midway through the second half when veteran striker Raúl Jiménez headed home from close range for his 46th international goal, moving level with Jared Borgetti as Mexico's second-highest scorer.
The match, played before more than 80,000 spectators, also saw three red cards, the most in a World Cup opening fixture. South Africa were reduced to 10 men early in the second half when Sphephelo Sithole was sent off for bringing down Brian Gutiérrez near the penalty area.
South Africa's problems deepened when Themba Zwane received a straight red card following a VAR review for striking Roberto Alvarado in the face. Mexico defender César Montes was also sent off in stoppage time.
Teenager Gilberto Mora made history after coming on as a substitute, becoming Mexico's youngest-ever World Cup player at 17 years and 240 days. He is the sixth-youngest player to feature in the tournament's history.
The 2026 edition, jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, is the largest FIFA World Cup to date, featuring 48 teams. The Estadio Azteca also became the first stadium to host matches in three separate World Cups.
Mexico lead Group A with three points and will face South Korea on June 18 in Guadalajara. South Africa will take on Czechia the same day in Atlanta.
Ahead of kick-off, the opening ceremony featured performances by Shakira, Maná and Andrea Bocelli, while actor Salma Hayek made a surprise appearance. Mexican-American singer Lila Downs welcomed fans in Spanish, English and the indigenous languages Mixtec and Nahuatl.