Mexico edge past nine-man South Africa in chaotic World Cup opener
11 Jun · 1 min read
El Tri off and running
The 2026 World Cup kicked off at a febrile Estadio Azteca, and the co-hosts needed only nine minutes to settle nerves. Julián Quiñones pounced on a South African error and slid the ball through Ronwen Williams' legs for the tournament's first goal.
Three reds, two goals
There were more red cards than goals in the opening game of the World Cup.
The night turned chaotic as referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio brandished three red cards — South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane both saw red, as did Mexico's César Montes. Raúl Jiménez, holding back tears, sealed the win against the nine men.
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