Co-hosts Mexico made a strong start to their 2026 World Cup campaign as they defeated nine-man South Africa at a packed Azteca Stadium in the tournament opener.
Three players were sent off in all, with Mexico reduced to 10 men in the closing moments.
Mexico had only needed nine minutes before they delighted their fans with the first goal of the finals.
South Africa midfielder Yaya Sithole was tackled by Erik Lira and the ball dropped to Julian Quinones whose powerful strike went though the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Quinones almost made it 2-0 just before half-time, but his 12-yard first-time shot bounced off the foot of the right post.
The hosts’ task became much easier when Sithole was sent off five minutes into the second half, bringing down Brian Gutierrez when he was going through on goal.
Striker Raul Jimenez, 35, sealed the victory with his first goal at a World Cup, heading in powerfully from Roberto Alvarado’s cross for Mexico’s second, a moment that appeared to bring tears from the veteran.
