June 12, 20262 min read
Mexico 2-0 South Africa Recap: Goals & Record 3 Red Cards
World Cup 2026 opening match recap: Mexico 2-0 South Africa, goals from Quinones and Jimenez and a record three red cards.
World Cup 2026 · Group AFull time
Mexico
2 - 0
South AfricaThursday, 11 June 2026 · 10:00 PM · Mexico City Stadium
In the opening match of World Cup 2026 at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 on June 11, 2026, in a game that set a record for red cards.
The goals
- 9', Julian Quinones (Mexico): scored the very first goal of the tournament to put Mexico ahead in front of a packed home crowd.
- Second half, Raul Jimenez (Mexico): doubled the lead to seal a 2-0 win.
Three red cards, a World Cup record
The match saw three players sent off, the most in a single match in World Cup history. South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, and Mexico's Cesar Montes were all dismissed. South Africa finished with just nine players, and all three will miss their next match through suspension.
What it means
A strong start for hosts Mexico in Group A, while South Africa open with a loss and key suspensions for the next round. Follow fixtures and results and predictions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score?
Mexico 2-0 South Africa.
Who scored for Mexico?
Julian Quinones (9') and Raul Jimenez (second half).
How many red cards?
Three, a World Cup record for a single match.