The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway as Mexico secured a 2-0 win in a opening match laden with red cards.

Mexico started a strong attack featuring the likes of Raúl Jiménez (Wolves) Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadisiah) Roberto Alvarado (Guadalajara) Álvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis) and Brian Gutiérrez (Guadalajara).

South Africa's starting XI featured the likes of Lyle Foster (Burnley) Siphephelo Sithole (Tondela) and Ime Okon (Hannover). Additionally, Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi started for Hugo Broos' side.

Captain and Robbie Williams made a huge save in the fourth minute to keep the score level. Mexico looked to strike off a throw in but the goalkeeper got to ground quickly to block the shot.

But Mexico would find the opener off a turnover with scoring the first goal of the tournament in the ninth minute. Williams passed the ball to 13 but faced pressure from El Tri which led to Quiñones getting on the ball and blasting a shot past Williams.

GOOOOOOOOOOOL! Mexico! Julian Quinones with the opening goal of the World Cup

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— JM =^) (@jm539581.bsky.social) June 11, 2026 at 3:18 PM

Teboho Mokoena would become the first player to pick up a yellow card in the tournament in the 17th minute. Soon after, Quiñones looked to add to his tally but his shot from distance sailed over the bar. In the 23rd minute, Gutiérrez became the first Mexican to get carded for a tackle deemed worthy of a booking.

The impressive first half continued for Quiñones as Gutiérrez laid a shot off to his teammate in the 42nd minute. The goal scorer's shot bounced off the post to the delight of South Africa, who seemingly were anxiously awaiting the end of the first half.

Mexico had the bulk of possession and scoring chances in the first half. If it wasn't for Williams, South Africa would have been in a much worse position heading into the locker room after 45 minutes.

Less than a minute into the second half, Mexico almost converted on another turnover after South Africa played it out the back, but El Tri was unable to take advantage. The momentum would further swing Mexico's way as in the 49th minute Gutiérrez was driving towards goal but was taken down by Sithole who earned a red card. El Tri got a free kick just outside of the box but Jimenez's attempt hit the wall and Mexico was unable to add to its lead.

South Africa made the first change of the match and tournament as Foster was replaced by Thalente Mbatha. Then in the 61st minute, Jayden Adams was replaced by Themba Zwane.

Mexico responded with two changes of its own in the 65th minute as Gutiérrez and Fidalgo were replaced by Gilberto Mora and Luis Chávez. Mora is a highly-touted prospect who is just 17 years old.

The subs energized Mexico as it found its second goal of the afternoon in the 68th minute. Alvarado sent a cross into the box, and Jiménez was wide open at the back post and calmly headed the ball into the back of the net.

Jiménez nearly earned a penalty moments later but the official ruled it was a clean shoulder barge rather than an overtly physical challenge. The intensity of the game increased with Nkosinathi Sibisi picking up a yellow card in the 74th minute.

Both sides then made changes in the 76th minute as Edson Álvarez and Armando González replaced Jiménez and Lira. South Africa replaced Aubrey Modiba and Iqraam Rayners with Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa in the 77th minute. El Tri made an additional change moments later as Quiñones was replaced by Alexis Vega in the 79th minute.

South Africa's day got even worse as Zwane picked up a red card in the 84th minute after Video Review. Then in stoppage time, to complete the trifecta, Mexico's Cesar Montes earned a red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.

With the win, Mexico is at the top of Group A and looking like a capable challenger for the top spot. For South Africa, the loss of Sithole could have major ripple effects, potentially leading them to be at the bottom of the group at the conclusion of the Group Stage.

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