Co-hosts Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in a dramatic opening match of the 2026 World Cup at Azteca Stadium on Friday, June 12, 2026.
The game featured three red cards, a first for a tournament opener.
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Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio dismissed South Africa's Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane, and later sent off Mexico's Cesar Montes in the final minutes.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar saw only four red cards in total.
Mexico took an early lead in the ninth minute when Julian Quinones scored through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Quinones missed a second chance before halftime when his 12-yard shot hit the right post.
South Africa was reduced to nine men after Sithole's red card five minutes into the second half for a foul on Brian Gutierrez.
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Mexico capitalized when 35-year-old striker Raul Jimenez headed in a cross from Roberto Alvarado to seal the victory.
Ticket Pricing Under Fire
While over 80,000 fans attended the opener in Mexico City, large empty sections were visible at the 46,000-seat stadium in Guadalajara for the South Korea versus Czechia match.
Football Supporters Europe warned that ticket prices had jumped fivefold compared to the 2022 World Cup, excluding ordinary fans.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the pricing model on Wednesday, stating that demand had exceeded expectations by “a factor of 10 or more.”
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He added that ticket prices remained on par with other major sporting events and that FIFA had sold over six million tickets.
