First FIFA World Cup match ::: Mexico beats South Africa -- Two goals .... Three Red Cards

Three red cards mark historic FIFA World Cup 2026 opener as Mexico get off to winning start

Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez score as co-hosts beat South Africa 2-0 in a fiery World Cup opener that makes history with three red cards handed out. 

South African midfielder Sphephelo Sithole committed a rash foul on attacker Brian Gutierrez when the latter was through on goal. Sithole was shown a straight red as the game tilted more firmly in Mexico’s favour.  

S. African midfielder Themba Zwane was sent off in the 84th minute for slapping an opponent leaving S. Africa to play with 9 men for the rest of the match. 

However, the numerical disadvantage was reduced slightly with Mexican skipper Cesar Montes received marching orders for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity in the dying moments of the game.

The match ended with only 19 players on the pitch and a promise for an exhilarating, drama-packed World Cup.

Tournament co-hosts Mexico were always favourites going into the game, but South Africa provided them with an early opportunity after giving the ball away cheaply while playing out from the back. 

The hosts pounced on it, with Julian Quinones slotting the ball away in the 9th minute of the game to score the 3rd fastest goal in any World Cup opener.  

Mexico dominated possession, but indecisiveness and poor finishing prevented them from extending their lead in the first half. The second half began with a bang, with South Africa going a man down inside four minutes of the restart.