Mexico Beat South Africa 2-0 in 2026 World Cup Opener Marked by Record Three Red Cards
The first 48-team World Cup opened on June 11, 2026, at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. The Azteca became the first stadium in history to stage the opening match of three World Cups, after 1970 and 1986.
Before a capacity crowd of 80,824, Julián Quiñones scored the tournament's first goal in the ninth minute. In the 66th minute, veteran striker Raúl Jiménez headed in the second goal, his 46th for Mexico but his first in three World Cup tournaments.
The second half brought a flurry of red cards: South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off, leaving South Africa with nine players, and Mexico defender César Montes was dismissed in stoppage time. The three red cards were the most ever shown in a World Cup opening match. Mexico next play South Korea in Guadalajara, while South Africa face the Czech Republic in Atlanta.
The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, features 104 matches. The United States open their campaign on June 12 in Los Angeles against Paraguay.
Related: U.S. Beats Paraguay 4-1 for Most Goals in a World Cup Match, Balogun Scores Twice
Source: Associated Press
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：2026年翻新后的墨西哥城阿兹特克体育场航拍。ProtoplasmaKid 摄，CC BY 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: Aerial view of the renovated Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, 2026. Photo by ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
