Mexico city: Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Julian Qui±ones scored the first goal of the tournament in the 10th minute, providing Mexico with an early advantage. Mexico maintained control throughout the first half, taking 10 shots, two of which were on target, while South Africa struggled to create opportunities.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, South Africa's Teboho Mokoena received the first yellow card of the tournament, followed by a caution for Mexico's Brian Gutierrez. The second half saw a critical moment when South African defender Yaya Sithole was sent off for denying a clear scoring chance to Gutierrez, leaving South Africa with 10 players. This was the first red card in a World Cup opening match since Bolivia's Marco Etcheverry was dismissed against Germany in 1994.

In a historic moment, 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, who came on as a substitute in the 66th minute, became the youngest player ever to represent Mexico at a FIFA World Cup. Mexico extended its lead a minute later when veteran striker Raul Jimenez scored with a header in the 67th minute.

South Africa ended the match with nine players after Themba Zwane received a red card for violent conduct in the 85th minute. This was the first instance since the 2006 World Cup's Portugal-Netherlands Round of 16 match that a team had two players sent off in a single game. Mexico's Cesar Montes was also shown a red card late in the match for denying a scoring opportunity to South Africa's Khuliso Mudau, leaving Mexico with 10 players on the field.

With the victory, Mexico moved to the top of Group A, while South Africa remained at the bottom of the standings.