Mexico began the 2026 FIFA World Cup in commanding fashion, defeating South Africa 2-0 in a turbulent Group A encounter at Mexico City Stadium on Thursday that saw three players dismissed.

Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez netted for the co-hosts to secure victory, while South Africa’s hopes were badly undermined after Yaya Sithole and substitute Themba Zwane were shown red cards in a frenzied contest.

The hosts started brightly and almost took an early lead when veteran striker Raúl Jiménez, making his first World Cup start despite appearing at four previous tournaments, forced an excellent save from South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams inside the opening five minutes.

The breakthrough arrived soon afterwards following an error by Williams. The goalkeeper’s misplaced pass put Sithole under pressure; his heavy touch was immediately seized upon by Erik Lira.

The midfielder laid the ball off to Quiñones, who composed himself and fired a low shot through Williams’ legs to give Mexico the lead.

That strike was the earliest goal scored in a World Cup curtain-raiser since 2006.

Mexico controlled much of the first half. Jiménez was again denied by Williams, and Quiñones came close to doubling the advantage when his effort struck the post.

South Africa struggled to fashion clear chances and posed little attacking threat during the opening 45 minutes.

Their situation deteriorated shortly after the interval when Sithole brought down Brian Gutiérrez as the Mexican forward broke clear. Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio immediately produced a straight red card, reducing South Africa to ten men.

The match also featured a landmark moment when Gilberto Mora came off the bench to become the youngest player ever to represent a host nation at a FIFA World Cup, aged 17 years and 240 days.

Mexico capitalised on their numerical advantage. Jiménez finally opened his World Cup account in the 67th minute, rising to head home a dangerous cross from Roberto Alvarado to double the hosts’ lead.

South Africa’s evening worsened when a VAR review resulted in substitute Themba Zwane being dismissed for violent conduct after an off-the-ball altercation with Alvarado, leaving the visitors with nine players.

There was further late drama when Mexico defender César Montes was sent off in stoppage time for a challenge on Khuliso Mudau.

The dismissal came too late to affect the result as Mexico held on to claim a winning start to their home World Cup campaign.