FIFA World Cup 2026 is off to an unexpected start with Mexico and South Africa creating unwanted history.
Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup opener at the Mexico City Stadium on Thursday, June 11. The hosts scored a goal in each half, thanks to some help from the away side.
Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the ninth minute of the match after Erik Lira dispossessed S’Miso Sithole at the edge of the box. The Mexican forward took his time and nutmegged the goalkeeper with a powerful shot from inside the box.
The scoreline remained 1-0 until the break, and the second half was filled with drama. Sithole got sent off for bringing down Brian Gutiérrez just outside the box, just five minutes into the second half.
Raul Jiminez made it 2-0 in the 67th minute, and South Africa were all but out. Things got worse for them when Themba Zwane got sent off after a VAR check, but Mexico ended the game with 10 men, as Cesar Montes was handed a red card as well.
Three reds in the matches made it the first ever FIFA World Cup opening game to see as many sending offs. The 2026 edition is now just one red card away from matching the tally of red cards in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Mexico vs South Africa Player Ratings:
| Mexico Player Ratings | South Africa Player Ratings |
|---|---|
| R Rangel – 7.5 | R Williams – 6 |
| I Reyes – 7 | K Mudau – 6 |
| C Montes – 6.5 | N Sibisi – 5 |
| J Vasquez – 7 | I Okon – 5.5 |
| J Gallardo – 7 | M Mbokazi – 6 |
| E Lira – 7.5 | A Madiba – 4.5 |
| R Alvarado – 8 | T Mokoena – 6 |
| B Gutierez – 7.5 | S Sithole – 3 |
| A Fidalgo – 7 | J Adams – 5.5 |
| J Quinones – 9 | I Rayners – 6 |
| R Jimenez – 8.5 | L Foster – 5 |
| G Mora – 7 | T Mbatha – 6 |
| L Chavez – 7 | T Zwane – 3 |
| E Alvarez – 7 | O Appollis – 5 |
| A Gonzalez – 6 | E Makgopa – 5 |
| A Vega – 6 |
Discover more from The Sportzine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
