Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2–0 win over South Africa at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Wednesday, topping Group A with a result that was as much defined by red cards as by goals.
Julian Quiñones broke the deadlock in the 9th minute, scoring what was reported to be the fastest goal in a World Cup opening match since 2006. Raul Jimenez added the second in the 69th minute to secure the three points.
The match turned sharply in the second half. South Africa’s Yaya Sithole was sent off in the 55th minute after fouling a Mexican player outside the penalty area, following a decision by the referee to overturn a penalty appeal and award a direct free kick instead. Sithole became the first player dismissed at this tournament and the fifth player ever to be sent off in a World Cup opening match. He was also reported to be only the third player since 1966 to score an own goal and receive a red card in the same game, and the first to do so since 2006.
South Africa’s Themba Zwane followed in the 83rd minute, dismissed for a foul on a Mexico player outside the box. Then, in stoppage time, Mexico captain and defender César Montes was also sent off for a foul on a South African player.
The three dismissals made this the first opening match in World Cup history to produce three red cards in a single game.
Czech Republic and South Korea were scheduled to meet later on Wednesday in the other Group A fixture.
