Mexico start their joint-host 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in Thursday’s opening match at Estadio Azteca. Mexico’s goals come from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, giving them a comfortable lead over a side reduced to fewer players following dismissals in a match that multiple outlets describe as chaotic. South Africa ends the game down to nine men, with the overall match featuring three red cards. Several reports link one of the key moments to a mistake by South Africa midfielder Yaya Sithole involving Ronwen Williams’s risky pass, which allows Erik Lira to set up Quiñones for the opening goal. Mexico go on to secure the win and book a winning start, while South Africa face an early setback in their World Cup debut. Across the coverage, the main shared points are Mexico’s 2-0 result, the goal scorers, the match location and status as an opening fixture, and the fact that three red cards occur during the game.