Mexico kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a chaotic and fiercely contested opening match at a heaving Azteca Stadium.

The co-hosts delivered a winning start on home soil, but the occasion was as much defined by its flashpoints as its football — three players were sent off across the 90 minutes, giving the fixture a ferocious edge from the very first whistle.

Red cards steal the headlines

The dismissals rocked the match's rhythm and tested the nerves of both benches, yet Mexico held firm throughout. Despite the turbulence, the co-hosts managed their numerical situation to seal a clean sheet and a full three points.

South Africa — competing at a World Cup with genuine ambition — were unable to overturn the deficit even as the red cards reduced both sides at various stages. The result leaves Bafana Bafana with significant ground to make up in their group.

The Azteca Stadium, one of football's most iconic venues, provided a thunderous backdrop for the tournament's opening chapter. The passionate Mexican crowd roared their side forward throughout, turning the famous old bowl into a cauldron of noise and colour.

A fierce start for the World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, is already delivering drama from its earliest moments. With home support firmly behind them, Mexico will take enormous confidence into their next group fixture.

For South Africa, the challenge now is to regroup quickly. Bafana Bafana still have matches remaining in the group stage, and a tournament exit is far from inevitable — but they must avoid the ill-discipline that cost them dearly in this opener.