Mexico launched their home FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday night, but the historic tournament opener was overshadowed by a flurry of red cards at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The match marked the beginning of the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. It also saw Estadio Azteca become the first stadium ever to host matches at three separate World Cup tournaments.
Roared on by more than 80,000 fans, Mexico made a dream start when Julián Quiñones fired the tournament’s first goal after less than nine minutes, slipping his effort through the legs of South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The early strike set the tone for a dominant performance from the hosts, who were seeking their first-ever victory in a World Cup opening match after previously recording five defeats and two draws in tournament openers.
South Africa’s task became significantly more difficult shortly after halftime when midfielder Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole was shown a straight red card for bringing down Brian Gutiérrez as he raced through on goal.
Mexico eventually capitalized on their numerical advantage, with veteran striker Raúl Jiménez heading home midway through the second half to double the lead and secure all three points for the hosts.
The goal was Jiménez’s 46th for the national team, moving him level with Jared Borgetti as Mexico’s second-highest international scorer. He now sits six goals behind all-time leading scorer Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.
Mexico also celebrated a milestone moment with the introduction of teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora. At 17 years and 240 days old, Mora became Mexico’s youngest-ever World Cup player and the sixth-youngest player in tournament history.
However, the contest descended into disciplinary chaos in the closing stages. South Africa were reduced to nine men when Themba Zwane received a red card following a VAR review for striking Roberto Alvarado in the face.
The drama was not over, as Mexican defender César Montes was also dismissed during stoppage time, bringing the total number of red cards in the match to three — the highest ever recorded in a World Cup opening fixture.
The result gives Mexico an early advantage in Group A following their disappointing first-round exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Mexico will next face South Korea in Guadalajara, while South Africa will look to recover when they take on Czechia in Atlanta.
