Overview:
Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio sent off three players in the opener; two for South Africa (Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane) as well as Mexico’s Ceaser Montes.
- Group A: Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Mexico defeated a 9-man South Africa 2-0 during the official opening duel of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in group A at the Mexican City stadium on Thursday before over 80,000 spectators.
A goal in either half from Julian Andres Quinones and Raul Jimenez set the tone for the tournament co-hosts who are now top of Group A with three points and two goals.
Quinones who features for Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Professional league set the ball rolling with an 8th minute goal past South Africa’s captain Ronwen Williams.
South Africa granted Mexico the numerical advantage after Yaya Sithole was red carded in the 50th minute for a professional foul.
Jimenez, a forward at Wolverhampton football club in the English premier league headed home the second goal on 66 minutes for the second goal on the evening.
Themba Zwane was also red carded in the 82nd minute following a VAR review as South Africa’s miserable night continued.
Mexico’s Ceaser Montes was also sent off by Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio for a foul inside the 7 added minutes of additional time.
There was a befitting opening ceremony prior to the duel with magical performances from the world’s best artists as Shakirah.
Next matches:
South Korea takes on Czech Republic on Friday, 12th June 2026 in the early kick off before Canada shall tussle Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Mexico’s second group A contest will come on 19th June 2026 against South Korea.
South Africa will play Czech Republic on 18th June 2026.
Latin Americans Argentina are the reigning champions of this tournament which has been played since 1930.
