South Africa self-destruct as Mexico wipe them 2-0

Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup in a game of red cards with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez.

Raul Jimenez celebrates after firing Mexico past South Africa on the opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday. Mexico won 2-0. (Photo credit: Al Jazeera)

Host nation Mexico scored twice in either half to see off South Africa in the 2026 World Cup opener at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico on Thursday, with drama at both ends.

After a colorful opening ceremony, the Bafana Bafana of South Africa took to the pitch, hoping to do better than they managed at the 2010 edition of the FIFA World Cup against the same opponents. 

It ended 1-1 on that occasion, with Tsabalala opening the scoring in Johannesburg.

The Mexicans started quickly off the blocks, pelting the South African defense with a barrage of attacks, and it didn't take long for the golden boot winner in the Saudi Pro League, Julian Quinones, to fire home after some horrible defending from the African side.

The cohesion expected from the South Africans went missing, with six of their starting eleven playing for Mamelodi Sundowns. 

The Bafana Bafana struggled to keep possession, and that put their goal in danger, with Ronwen Williams making save after save.

The first half ended with South Africa growing into the game, but disaster struck early in the second half. 

Sphephelo Sithole was sent off for a professional foul on youngster Brian Gutierrez, who was through on goal after a brilliant pass from veteran Raul Jimenez.

The 35-year-old Wolves returnee then got his head to a neat cross from the right to make the scoreline 2-0 not long after the hour mark. 

Seven minutes after Mexico's second goal, South Africa bagged their second red card of the day.

Sundowns defender Themba Zwane, who came on at the hour mark to shore things up at the back, was found guilty of dangerous foul play as revealed by the VAR and was subsequently sent off by the Brazilian referee. 

This decision complicates the situation even further for the African side.

There was time for Mexico to see red too. 

Captain Cesar Montes got his marching order two minutes into the added time after a poor tackle, reducing the hosts to ten men, but it was too late for South Africa to take advantage.

The result means South Africa must now win their next game against the Czech Republic to stand a chance of staying in the competition beyond the group stage. 

The Czech Republic lost 2-1 to South Korea in the other game of the night, making the clash against Bafana Bafana a cracker.