Mexico beats South Africa 2-0 in chaotic World Cup opener marred by three red cards

Opening day drama

Mexico started the 48-team World Cup with a comfortable 2-0 victory on Thursday at the Estadio Azteca, but the match descended into a disciplinary storm when referee decisions produced three straight red cards – the first time three players have been sent off in a tournament opener. Sphephelo Sithole was dismissed early in the second half for a clumsy tackle on Brian Gutierrez, followed in the 84th minute by Themba Zwane after a VAR review spotted an arm into Roberto Alvarado’s face. César Montes then saw red in stoppage time for bringing down Khuliso Mudau, leaving Mexico to finish with ten men as well. The last World Cup match to feature three or more ejections was the infamous 2006 clash between Portugal and the Netherlands in Nuremberg, which had four red cards and sixteen yellows.

Quiñones and Jimenez deliver

Julián Quiñones, born in Colombia but now a Mexican international, struck the opening goal of the tournament after Erik Lira intercepted a loose ball on the edge of South Africa’s box. Quiñones cut inside and drilled a low finish beneath goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Raúl Jimenez sealed the result midway through the second half with a powerful downward header from a devilish cross by Alvarado. Quiñones earlier rattled the post from close range, and Jimenez forced a fine save from Williams with a volley in the opening minutes. The striker’s header was his first World Cup goal.

Empty seats reignite price debate

At the Guadalajara venue, only 44,985 fans watched South Korea beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in a 46,000‑seat stadium, leaving swathes of empty rows visible on the broadcast. Supporters present blamed FIFA’s pricing model, echoing warnings from Football Supporters Europe (FSE) that costs had jumped fivefold compared to Qatar 2022.

Ticket prices were on a par with other major sporting events.

Infantino said more than six million tickets had been sold and demand had exceeded expectations “by a factor of 10 or more”, but critics say ordinary fans are being priced out.

Political and community celebrations

President Claudia Sheinbaum skipped the VIP seats to watch with residents at a sports centre in the Gustavo A. Madero neighbourhood, sharing the ticket she received from FIFA with a young girl from Veracruz. She posted a message saying, “Congratulations to the national team. Congratulations to all Mexican women and men.” In the city centre, thousands gathered at the Angel of Independence despite a heavy downpour that briefly halted a musical programme; after 40 minutes the crowd returned. In Los Angeles, Mexican migrants gathered at Calle Olvera.

I am proud that my national team is playing at such a delicate moment for us immigrants. Many of my friends stayed home because they were afraid to attend this event.

Maria Sanchez, a 60‑year‑old originally from Guadalajara, called it “a source of pride for our country and we need it as a community.”