Mexico open 2026 World Cup with win over South Africa in red card filled encounter

Exactly 16 years after that famous World Cup opening clash between South Africa and Mexico at the FNB Stadium, both countries once again opened the biggest Mundial ever with a pulsating display at a packed Azteca Stadium.

However, unlike the 2010 encounter, when Siphiwe Tshabalala struck first for Bafana Bafana in the 55th minute, this time it took only nine minutes for Julian Quinones to net the opener for El Tri. As if the home fans had not had enough of that glorious opening ceremony performance from global superstars Shakira and Burna Boy, they burst into another frenzy.

And so did the Mexican stars who enjoyed more of the ball, dominating possession and strangling the South Africans in their own half.

Before the half-time whistle went, the hosts played 10 shots in total, albeit their conversion rate was nothing to cheer home with only two hitting the target.  But they did strike the post once and managed six shots inside the box.  

It was a blunt 45 minutes for Bafana Bafana, who tested Raul Rangel only twice, with only one of those being of any real threat.

They returned as a more composed side after recess, trying to build from the back before they faulted again just three minutes into the second half. Quinones capitalised on that blunder and attempted an audacious long-range effort which presented little to no trouble for Ronwen Williams.

But two minutes later, there was real trouble for South Africa to worry about after Brian Gutierrez broke away from their defense. He was brought down by Siphephelo Sithole, who was sent off just outside the box for a free-kick which El Trio failed to convert.

Seven minutes after the hour mark, Raul Jimenez was at the end of a perfect cross from Roberto Alvarado to double the lead.

The South Africans managed to keep the scoreline at 2-0 despite going down by another man as 36-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane was sent off. Cesar Montes was also shown a red card for Mexico in stoppage time.

This victory extends Mexico’s win run to nine consecutive games as South Africa remain winless in six games.