Mexico kick-start party in win over South Africa in World Cup 2026 opener with three red cards

Co-host Mexico defeated South Africa in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener, with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez securing the win. The match was marred by three red cards, with South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane both receiving dismissals alongside Mexico's Cesar Montes. The result gave the home nation a winning start to the tournament on their own soil.