Mexico kicks off 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa as three players are sent off

Opening ceremony

Mexico launched the first of three opening ceremonies for the 2026 World Cup with a spectacle rooted in pre-Hispanic culture. The Estadio Azteca pitch was transformed into a giant stage featuring dancers, a colossal golden trophy, and a sea of green-clad fans wearing sombreros and mariachi costumes. Lila Downs greeted the world in Spanish and English, telling the crowd,

“People from all over the world, welcome to Mexico.”

Danny Ocean then performed "Partidazo," the official tournament track, accompanied by the Ballet Folklórico de México. Rock band Maná had the stadium singing along to "Oye Mi Amor," and Belinda joined Los Ángeles Azules for "Por Ella," a pop-cumbia hybrid created for the FIFA World Cup 2026 album. Shakira and Burna Boy delivered the official World Cup anthem, while protesters demonstrated outside the stadium in the capital.

First half

Mexico took the lead in the 9th minute after a costly mistake by South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole. Erik Lira pounced on the loose ball near the penalty area and found Julián Quiñones, whose shot squeezed through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Quiñones nearly had a second goal in the 43rd minute, rattling the crossbar with a fierce strike. The host nation controlled the early exchanges, though clear chances were rare.

Second half and red cards

The match turned physical after the break. Sithole was shown a straight red card in the 49th minute for a foul on Brian Gutiérrez, forcing coach Hugo Broos into defensive adjustments. Mexico doubled their lead in the 67th minute when Raúl Jiménez headed home a cross from Roberto Alvarado. South Africa were reduced to nine men after a VAR review led to a red card for Themba Zwane, who slapped Alvarado in the face. Mexican captain César Montes received a late red card in stoppage time for a heavy challenge on Khuliso Mudau, making it three dismissals in the match.

A historic echo

Thursday's game mirrored the 2010 World Cup opener, when South Africa and Mexico drew 1-1 as the host nation. This time Mexico prevailed, becoming the first host to win the opening match since 2014. The 2026 edition is the first to feature 48 national teams and the first to split its opening ceremonies across three host countries. Mexico will next face the winner of Group A's other fixture, while South Africa face an uphill battle after the red-card setbacks.