Mexico 2-0 South Africa: World Cup 2026 – as it happened

Thanks for joining our live coverage of the opening game of World Cup 2026, as cohosts Mexico kicked the tournament off with a 2-0 win over South Africa.

A game that will be remembered for more red cards than goals has certainly provided some talking points.

Stick with Al Jazeera Sport for all the latest from North America, but for now, from me Adam Hancock and my colleague Kevin Hand, goodbye!

KING-ÑONES FOR A REASON 👑🇲🇽

After our win against South Africa, Julián Quiñones has been chosen by you, Incondicionales, as the MVP of the match. 🔥#SomosMéxico💚🤍❤️ pic.twitter.com/DVlrVo4QSr

— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) June 11, 2026

A star-studded performance, headlined by singers Shakira and Burna Boy, and a gigantic World Cup trophy officially inaugurated the tournament at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

The iconic World Cup venue was a sea of dark green and yellow jerseys, as fans eagerly awaited the tournament opener.

The ceremony celebrated Aztec culture and saw the pitch filled with performers in colourful costumes before Mexican singer-songwriter Lila Downs welcomed the world in Spanish and English.

You can read more about the opening ceremony here.

Our next live action will come at the weekend, as cohosts the United States face Paraguay in Los Angeles.

Their Group D opener will kick off at 6pm local time on Friday evening (01:00 GMT on Saturday).

We’ll also bring you live coverage of an exciting tie in Group C, as 2022 semifinalists Morocco face Brazil.

That game begins at 6pm in New Jersey on Saturday (22:00 GMT).

The action will stay in Mexico for the second game of the tournament as South Korea face Czechia in Guadalajara.

That match will kickoff at 8pm local time (02:00 GMT Friday).

You can read our in-depth match preview here.

Early days yet, but the World Cup cohosts top Group A after that opening day win.

Plenty of drama in the opening match of this tournament.

Catch up on all of the action in our match report here.

1 – Mexico's Gilberto Mora is the first player born after the 2006 FIFA World Cup final to appear in a World Cup match.

History. pic.twitter.com/COrD5x1v0N

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 11, 2026

Sixteen years ago, these two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the opening match of World Cup 2010.

Fast forward to today, and it was a very different story, with Mexico well on top against the same opponents.

Bafana Bafana were poor from the outside and contributed to their own downfall with a number of mistakes at the back.

A lack of discipline also cost them dearly, with two players sent off. That will be a problem for them moving forward in this tournament.

2 – South Africa are the first team to receive two red cards in a FIFA World Cup match since 2006, when both Portugal and Netherlands had two players sent off in their round of 16 clash.

Nuremberg. pic.twitter.com/BkrS3TSngx

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 11, 2026

Well, that was an eventful start to the tournament in Mexico City.

The cohosts are on their way with a comfortable 2-0 victory, but three red cards from Wilton Sampaio added an element of chaos to the game.

Quinones kicked things off with a goal after just nine minutes as he slotted the ball home through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Mexico were well on top throughout the match with South Africa struggling to pose any attacking threat.

Just four minutes into the second half, Sithole received the first red card of the match for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity after fouling Gutierrez from behind.

Mexico kept searching for a second, and it finally came through Jimenez as he headed home at the back post.

A chaotic final quarter saw two more red cards as the substitute Zwane was sent off for lashing out with his arm, before Mexican skipper Montes was dismissed for lunging in on the edge of the box.

The officials once again deemed that a clear goalscoring opportunity was denied.

Plenty to digest from those decisions.

That’s it in Mexico City as the referee blows up.

More red cards than goals, but the cohosts are up and running.

Full-time: Mexico 2-0 South Africa

Second Half ends, Mexico 2, South Africa 0.

One obvious conclusion from this game: the referees are going to apply the letter of the law at this tournament.

Something to think about for the other 46 nations watching this one.

90+7 mins: Mexico 2-0 South Africa

What is happening out there?

Montes is the latest to head down the tunnel early after denying a goal-scoring opportunity.

That was a rash, needless challenge from the Mexico skipper.

90+4 mins: Mexico 2-0 South Africa

South Africa would probably take the full-time whistle now if offered.

90+2 mins: Mexico 2-0 South Africa

César Montes (Mexico) is shown the red card.

We’ve just seen a replay of that red card challenge from Zwane.

He clearly lashes out with his arm towards Alvarado’s head. You just can’t do that and expect to get away with it.

A miserable afternoon for South Africa.

90 mins: Mexico 2-0 South Africa

Stunned looks on the faces of the South African players as Zwane is sent down the tunnel.

He was adjudged to have caught his opponent in the face.

83 mins: Mexico 2-0 South Africa

Themba Zwane (South Africa) is shown the red card for violent conduct.