Mexico begin the World Cup as co-hosts with a 2-0 win over South Africa in a match at Estadio Azteca, one of the most dramatic openers of the tournament. The game features three red cards, issued by Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio, with two dismissals coming from South Africa and one from Mexico. Mexico score after an early breakthrough: Julian Quinones nets the opening goal in the ninth minute. Raul Jimenez then adds Mexico’s second, heading in during the contest. South Africa lose key players after incidents leading to red cards, including Sphephelo Sithole being sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity and Themba Zwane dismissed after a slap. Mexico also receive a red card when Cesar Montes is shown a dismissal for a late foul. Reports describe a capacity crowd and an emotional, high-energy atmosphere for the tournament’s opening match. Mexico’s coach Javier Aguirre says the team overcame first-day nerves as the match turns contentious, with disciplinary issues dominating moments of the game even as Mexico secure the win.
Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in World Cup opener as three players are sent off
Mexico begin the World Cup as co-hosts with a 2-0 win over South Africa in a match at Estadio Azteca, one of the most dramatic openers of the tournament. The game features three red cards, issued by B...
- Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the World Cup opener at Estadio Azteca.
- Julian Quinones scores Mexico’s first goal in the ninth minute.
- Raul Jimenez scores Mexico’s second goal, a headed finish.
- Three players are sent off: two from South Africa and one from Mexico.
- Sphephelo Sithole is dismissed for denying a goalscoring opportunity; Themba Zwane is dismissed for a slap; Cesar Montes is dismissed for a late foul.
Co-hosts Mexico opened the expanded 48-team World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, in a fiery match that produced three red cards and the tournament’s first goals.
Mexico opened the World Cup on Thursday with a dominant 2-0 win over South Africa in front of a boisterous home crowd at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium. Joining us to discuss the match is sports journalist Mbuelo Thinta.
1 month agoMexico beat South Africa 2-0 at the Azteca. Three players were sent off. The referee went viral for an explanation nobody could understand. Day one of the 2026 World Cup delivered everything except calm.
1 month agoThe 2026 World Cup is finally here and it all kicked off yesterday at the Azteca stadium in Mexico, as the hosts faced off with South Africa. After a beautiful opening ceremony in Mexico City, the smoke cleared for some more fireworks, but this time on the pitch... Meanwhile, South Africa faced the Czech Republic, despite an uneventful first half, South Korea managed a comeback to take home their first three points of the tournament.
1 month agoMexico launched its World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on 11 June. The result triggered celebrations across Mexico City while South African supporters voiced concern over their team's performance and tactics.
1 month agoMexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa turned the World Cup opener into a rules lesson after three straight red cards at Estadio Azteca. Opening games are usually remembered for ceremony, nerves, and the first goal.
1 month ago
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