Mexico beat South Africa in World Cup opener amid 3 red cards - ESPN
Co-hosts Mexico got off to a victorious start, beating South Africa 2-0 as the largest World Cup in history kicked off Thursday at Mexico City's famed Estadio Azteca.
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Bafana player ratings | Mbokazi held firm, most went into hiding in messy World Cup opener
When the whole world was watching, Bafana Bafana players went into hiding after losing their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2-0 to Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
Quinones and Jimenez fire Mexico to opening World Cup win over nine-man South Africa
MEXICO CITY, June 11 : Mexico's Julian Quinones unleashed a spectacular strike and Raul Jimenez scored a header as the co-hosts beat nine-man South Africa 2-0 in their World Cup Group A opener at Estadio Azteca on Thursday, in a match where three players were sent off.
Mexico beat South Africa to kick off World Cup
MEXICO CITY: Mexico ignited their World Cup party with a dominant 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa on Thursday as the biggest ever edition of the global footballing showpiece kicked off at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament and veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second as the co-hosts’ bid for qualification from Group A got off to smooth start. South Africa meanwhile never looked like spoiling the opening day fiesta, and finished with only nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off. The Mexican-colored red, green and white smoke from pre-game fireworks had barely dissipated before Quinones fired the hosts into the lead on nine minutes, drilling a low shot through the legs of South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams. A deafening roar cascaded down from the stands of the Azteca, the footballing cathedral that became the only stadium to host games at three different World Cups. South Africa coach Hugo Broos had warned his players to be ready for the intimidating atmosphere created by a capacity 80,824 crowd at the imposing concrete arena. But South Africa’s players looked to have a bad case of stage fright as Mexico’s fans greeted each completed pass with a raucous chorus of “Ole!” in the opening minutes. Sithole seemed particularly affected, being caught in possession trying to play out of the back for Quinones’ opening goal. Sithole’s miserable afternoon ended with a 49th minute dismissal after bundling over Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez when clean through on goal. Mexico rammed home their advantage in the 67th minute, with a fine counter attack culminating in Roberto Alvarado crossing for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jimenez to nod
FIRST TAKE | Broos’ loyalty exposes Bafana Bafana in Mexican loss of their own doing
Mexico’s 2-0 victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener was a gift of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ loyalty rather than what the hosts did on the Azteca Stadium pitch on Thursday, writes Njabulo Ngidi.
Mexico scores early, late in shutout win over South Africa in red card-filled World Cup opener
Julián Quinones and Raul Jimeñez helped Mexico make an exuberant start to the World Cup on Thursday, scoring a goal each in a 2-0 win over South Africa in the opening match of the tournament in Mexico City.
How to Watch South Korea vs. Czechia: TV Channel, Live Stream for 2026 FIFA World Cup
South Korea and Czechia meet in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 10:00 p.m. ET from Guadalajara Stadium, Guadalajara, Mexico.