🎥 Hosts Mexico beat South Africa in Copa 2026 opener | OneFootball

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off this Thursday (11) with Mexico — one of the tournament’s hosts, alongside the United States and Canada — beating South Africa 2-0 at the iconic Azteca Stadium.

This was the first opening-match win for the tricolor side after five attempts: 1930, 1950, 1958, 1970, and 2010.

Mexico’s victory started taking shape early, with Julián Quiñones opening the scoring in less than 10 minutes.

Shortly after the break, Sithole was sent off with a straight red card, making Mexico’s job easier.

It was the first red card in an opening match since Bolivia’s Etcheverry in 1994 against Germany. But it would not be the only one.

Late in the match, veteran Jiménez put the hosts at ease.

Zwane then left the Bafana Bafana down to nine men after a violent incident. 

But there was also a red card for the other side, after Montes brought down Mudau deep into stoppage time. 

Later this Thursday (11), at 11 p.m. (Brasília time), Czechia and South Korea face off to wrap up the first round of Group A.

Next Thursday (18), Mexico returns to the field to take on South Korea.

On the same day, South Africa will try to bounce back against Czechia.  

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 Carl Recine - 2026 Getty Images