People celebrate Mexico's victory in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11(local time). Reuters-Yonhap
MEXICO CITY - Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a drama-filled opening match of the World Cup at the Estadio Azteca Thursday, kicking off the biggest ever edition of the global footballing showpiece.
Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament after nine minutes and 35-year-old striker Raul Jimenez headed in Mexico's second goal at the Azteca, which became the first stadium in the world to host games at three World Cups.
Three players were sent off -- two from South Africa and one from Mexico -- in front of a capacity crowd of 80,000 spectators.
South Africa had Sphephelo Sithole dismissed for denying a goalscoring opportunity before Themba Zwane was shown a red card for a slap. Mexico's Cesar Montes was also sent off, for a late foul.
