Mexico Beat Nine-Man South Africa 2-0 in World Cup Opener

Mexico began their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, taking full advantage of errors and numerical superiority in a tense opener.

The hosts struck early in the 9th minute when Julián Quiñones capitalised on a defensive mistake to put Mexico ahead. South Africa’s attempt to play out from the back backfired, allowing Mexico to punish the lapse and take control of the match.

Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead in the 67th minute, finishing a perfectly delivered cross from Alvarado with a composed header to mark a memorable moment in the veteran striker’s World Cup journey.

South Africa’s challenge collapsed after Sphephelo Sithole was sent off early in the second half for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. The situation worsened later when Themba Zwane was dismissed following a VAR review, leaving Bafana Bafana with nine men.

Mexico also ended the match with ten players after César Montes received a late red card, but the hosts were already in full control by then and comfortably saw out the result.

The victory gives Mexico a strong start to the tournament, while South Africa are left to reflect on costly mistakes and disciplinary issues ahead of their remaining group games.