Mexico open World Cup 2026 with 2-0 win as three red cards and Jimenez tears mark chaotic day one

Mexico launched the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, though the occasion was clouded by three red cards and an emotional milestone for veteran striker Raul Jimenez. South Korea completed a compelling day one by coming from behind to beat Czech Republic 2-1 in the other Group A fixture, leaving both sides level with the co-hosts at the top of the group.

Jimenez’s long-awaited moment

For Jimenez, finally starting a World Cup match at his fourth tournament, the evening carried deep personal weight. The striker headed in Mexico’s second goal and broke into tears during his celebration, paying tribute to his father in a moment that cut through the noise of a chaotic night. Julian Quinones, a Colombian-born forward who has become one of El Tri’s most exciting players, had opened the scoring after capitalising on a costly error by South Africa’s Yaya Sithole.

Red cards dominate the narrative

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio issued three red cards across the match — a figure that matches the total from the entire 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Sithole, already at fault for the opening goal, was dismissed early in the second half for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity by bringing down Brian Gutierrez just outside the box. Substitute Themba Zwane then received his marching orders after placing a hand in the face of Roberto Alvarado in an off-the-ball incident, with VAR confirming the decision after a period of confusion. Mexico were not spared either: left back Cesar Montes was sent off in the closing minutes for cynically halting a Khuliso Mudau counterattack — another denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

Opening ceremony sets the tone

The tournament began with a ceremony at the Estadio Azteca that drew on both global and local appeal. Shakira and Andrea Bocelli, alongside EJAE, headlined a colourful display split into two segments, with a flag parade set to music from Eminem and the Alan Parsons Project preceding kick-off. Mexican rock band Maná drew a particularly loud reception from the home crowd. The match kicked off a couple of minutes behind schedule.

South Korea’s comeback completes the day

In the evening’s second fixture, South Korea overturned a deficit to beat Czech Republic 2-1, with second-half goals from Hwang In Beom and Oh Hyeon Gyu sealing the turnaround. The result leaves South Korea and Mexico sharing top spot in Group A after the opening round of matches.