Mexico opens WC with win after record 3 red cards
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- Mexico opened the tournament with a 2‑0 win over South Africa at Estadio Azteca, earning three points in Group A.
- Julián Quiñones scored the opening goal in under nine minutes, the earliest World Cup opener since Philipp Lahm in 2006.
- Raúl Jiménez added a second goal with a header in the second half, marking his 46th international goal and tying Jared Borgetti for second‑most for Mexico.
- César Montes received a red card in stoppage time, giving the match its third sending‑off and making this World Cup one red fewer than Qatar's four.
- Sphephelo Sithole was shown a straight red card early in the second half after a challenge on Brian Gutiérrez.
- Themba Zwane was sent off after a VAR review for striking Roberto Alvarado in the face, marking the first time a team received two red cards in a World Cup match since 2006.
- Gilberto Mora debuted at 17 years, 240 days, becoming the youngest player to appear for Mexico in a World Cup and the sixth youngest in tournament history.
Why it matters: Mexico's win gives the co‑hosts a morale boost and three points, while South Africa’s early exit from the scoring sheet and two expulsions cripple its chances in Group A. The unprecedented trio of red cards also signals a stricter refereeing tone that could shape discipline in the tournament.
