South Africa lost 2-0 to Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, as discipline and early pressure shaped the outcome.
Julian Quinones struck in the 10th minute, giving Mexico a sharp early lead and setting the tone under tournament lights.
Mexico controlled the first half with greater possession and ten shots, while South Africa struggled to build attacking momentum.
Teboho Mokoena received the first yellow card of the tournament, followed shortly by Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez in a tense opening spell.
Early in the second half, Yaya Sithole was sent off for denying a clear scoring chance, leaving South Africa reduced to ten players.
The red card was the first in a World Cup opening match since Marco Etcheverry was dismissed against Germany in 1994.
Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora entered in the 66th minute, becoming Mexico’s youngest-ever World Cup player in a historic appearance.
Raul Jimenez doubled Mexico’s lead with a header in the 67th minute, tightening control and silencing South Africa’s response.
Themba Zwane was later sent off for violent conduct in the 85th minute, reducing South Africa further to nine players.
Cesar Montes was also shown a straight red card for denying a scoring opportunity, leaving Mexico with ten men late on.
Mexico moved to the top of Group A with the win, while South Africa fell to the bottom after a difficult opening defeat.