Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a match that kicked off the World Cup 2026 at the Estadio Azteca.Mexico took an early lead against South Africa, with Julián Quiñones scoring the first goal. South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole made an error leading to Mexico's first goal and was later sent off in the second half for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Raul Jimenez doubled Mexico's lead with a powerful header, putting them in full control of the match. The tournament's opening ceremony at the Estadio Azteca featured performances by music icons Shakira, J-Balvin, Maná and more.In fullMexico vs South Africa LIVE: Three red cards in World Cup 2026 opener as co-hosts dominate at electric AztecaThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

The World Cup 2026 opener pits host Mexico against South Africa at the Azteca on June 11, a rematch of their 2010 meeting and the first of 104 games.

As the tournament kicks off, cohosts Mexico face South Africa in a replay of the 2010 edition's opening game.

Mexico hosts South Africa in a repeat of the opening fixture from the 2010 World Cup.

Follow Mexico vs. South Africa live as the World Cup gets underway, with score updates, highlights, team news, lineups, key moments and how to watch the opener.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe 2026 World Cup gets underway in Mexico…

Follow live from the opening day of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City.

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All eyes are on Mexico and the Estadio Azteca as the 2026 World Cup kicks off Thursday with El Tri taking on South Africa's Bafana Bafana in the Group A opener. Follow the match,…

Follow the latest news from the World Cup 2026 as opening ceremonies unfold in Mexico City and gameplay begins with Mexico vs. South Africa and South Korea vs. Czechia.

Follow CNN Sports’ live coverage of the World Cup’s opening day as Mexico and South Africa take to the pitch in this global festival of soccer.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the opening ceremony followed by the hosts, Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening game.…

The first game of the 2026 World Cup takes place at the legendary Estadio Azteca.

Follow all the action from the opening match of the 2026 Football World Cup at Mexico City Stadium.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA thunderstorm could hit Mexico City during…

Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca on Thursday.

Mexico leads South Africa 1-0 in their World Cup opener. Mexico to win at 85.5% YES.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWorld Cup 2026 has finally arrived with the…

Follow LIVE updates on the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa.

Follow LIVE updates on the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa.

Follow Mexico vs South Africa LIVE in FIFA World Cup 2026. Get live score, goal updates, confirmed lineups, match stats, key moments & match statistics