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Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam
Hosts Mexico began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2–0 victory over South Africa in their Group A opener at the Azteca Stadium.
Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the ninth minute, before Raul Jimenez doubled the lead in the 67th minute to secure all three points for the hosts.
The match saw an unprecedented disciplinary record, with three red cards shown for the first time in World Cup history, according to FIFA statistics. South Africa's Bapasinol was sent off in the 49th minute, followed by teammate Themba Zwane in the 84th, while Mexico's Cesar Montes was also dismissed in stoppage time.
The result puts Mexico top of Group A with three points, while South Africa remain without a point.
The victory marks Mexico's first-ever win in a World Cup opening match, having previously failed to win any of their seven opening fixtures.
South Africa struggled to recover after going down to nine men, as Mexico controlled much of the game following their early breakthrough.
The group continues later with a match between Czech Republic and South Korea.
