Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a heated Group A clash at the Mexico City Stadium on Thursday night.
Bafana Bafana endured a difficult return to the World Cup stage as the host nation struck early and controlled large parts of the match.
Julián Quiñones gave Mexico the perfect start in the 9th minute, finishing off a move set up by Erik Lira to make it 1-0.
South Africa tried to settle into the game, but their task became harder in the second half when Sphephelo Sithole was shown a red card in the 50th minute.
Mexico doubled their lead in the 67th minute through Raúl Jiménez, who finished from a Roberto Alvarado assist to put the hosts firmly in control.
The match became even more dramatic late on when Themba Zwane was also sent off in the 84th minute, leaving Bafana with nine men. Mexico’s César Montes was then shown a straight red card in stoppage time.
Mexico dominated the statistics, registering 15 shots to South Africa’s four, with 61% possession.
The result leaves Mexico top of Group A with three points, while South Africa begin their campaign with a defeat and disciplinary concerns ahead of their next match.
Despite the loss, Bafana Bafana will have to regroup quickly as they continue their push to advance from a group that also includes South Korea and Czechia. :::
The scoreline, goalscorers and red-card sequence match live reporting from the match.