MEX vs RSA FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights: Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in red card-filled opener

And that would be it. Mexico beat South Africa comprehensively by 2-0 in what was a red card-filled second half. South Africa were shown two and Mexico one as more red cards were shown on comparison to the goals scored.

Another red card!! Mexico's Cesar Montes has been shown a red card for his ugly challenge here. Three red cards in the match now as we head into the stoppage time in this game. 

Another red card shown as South Africa are now down to 9 men. Zwane shown the red card as South Africa's day goes from bad to worse.

Changes for both the teams. Lira goes back as Alvarez comes in for him. Jiménez goes back as Gonzalez is in.  South Africa bring in Appollis and Makgopa for Modiba and Rayners.

And here's another one for Mexico. Jiménez scores his first World Cup goal as Mexico go 2-0 up. Quiñones sets this up, finding Alvarado on the right. Alvarado then sends this to Jiménez into the box as the Wolverhampton Wanderers hits this past Williams to take his team 2-0 up.

South Africa rope in more substitutions here as we head into the final 40 minutes of the contest. Themba Zwane comes in for Jayden Adams for South Africa.

Yaya Sithole has become the third player from South Africa to be shown a red card at the World Cup. Here's the list.

Alfred Phiri (1998 vs. Denmark)

Itumeleng Khune (2010 vs. Uruguay)

Yaya Sithole (2026 vs. Mexico)

And it's a red card. Sithole attempts a very poor foul on Brian Gutiérrez near the box. And he has been sent off for his challenge. South Aftica down to 10 men now and are in all danger here in the Mexico City Stadium.

And the second half has begun, and it is a poor start from South Africa as Williams gifts this to Mexico with a loose pass. But luckily for the Bafana Bafana, it does not cause them as the cross has been blocked. 47 mins: Mexico 1-0 South Africa.

Here's a quick summary. Mexico were the dominant force in the first half. South Africa were left wondering. El Tri dominated possession and created chances. They were gifted by a blunder from Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Williams, who sent a loose pass to his defender as Quinones pounced on and scored. South Africa were always playing catch up and got a couple of chances very late.

Mexico head into the clash on a 21-match unbeaten streak against African opposition across all competitions, with their last defeat against a team from the continent coming against South Africa in the 2005 Gold Cup.

Raúl Jiménez has become the first Mexican forward aged 35 or above to start a World Cup match since Cuauhtémoc Blanco achieved the feat at the 2010 edition.

The iconic Azteca Stadium is hosting its 20th FIFA World Cup fixture, the highest for any venue in tournament history. Mexico have never lost in their seven World Cup matches played at the stadium.

Mexico's starting lineup boasts a combined 17 previous World Cup appearances, whereas every South African player is making his tournament debut. Among the players on either side, only Luis Chávez has previously scored at a World Cup, finding the net against Saudi Arabia in 2022.

And that's the end of the first half. A pretty strong performance from co-hosts Mexico as they go into the break 1-0 up with South Africa left wondering. They kept creating chances, and the possession as well as the Bafana Bafana struggled big time. Only a couple of chances for them here as Mexico lead this one.

First attempt from South Africa for a goal in the dying stages of the half. A short corner for the Bafana Bafana, which is cleared. Mbokazi then smashed it from a range but he was way too far as Rangel stopped it comfortably. 

Had it not been Williams, South Africa would have been trailing by a much bigger margin. A flying save from him on his left as Mexico are not letting South Africa breathe here. A brilliant cross from the left for Jiménez, who gets a slight toe on it as it heads to the far post but Williams saves this. It could have been an off-side though.

This was another decent chance for Mexico. Reyes was stopped down the right by Mbokazi with a slide in. Williams has to make a dive to save a Mexican cross from the left of the field. Well saved. 6 shots attempted, all by Mexico, none by South Africa.

Foster is South Africa's dangerman but he has been kept away from much of an action so far. He has had only 5-6 touches till now till the 30 minutes and it's not good for South Africa and their chances. 33 mins: Mexico 1-0 South Africa.

And it's time for the first hydration break in the game. This will happen at the halfway time of a half. FIFA announced that all the 104 matches will have three-minute breaks for hydration midway through a half. We are now back with Mexico leading 1-0 in the 28th minute.

Mexico are creating a few more chances here. Quinones is in great confidence after his opener, and he attempts one outside the box, but it curls away. South Africa need to pull their socks or else they can be two down quickly. 20 mins: Mexico 1-0 South Africa

And here's the first booking of the FIFA World Cup. Teboho Mokoena has been shown a yellow card for his lunge on Fidalgo. There was not much of an option other than to book the player. A poor start from South Africa as they are struggling big time. 

South Africa are under the pump here as Mexico are pressing well. They are looking to keep the possession but have been outsmarted so far.

And we have the first goal of the tournament. A loose pass from goalkeeper Williams there to his defender, Sithole, as Mexican star Quinones pounces on it and hits it to the back of the net. 9 mins: Mexico 1-0 South Africa. This is the earliest goal in a FIFA World Cup since 2006. Some start to this extravaganza. Wow!!

Free kick for Mexico in the fourth minute. Alvarado is fouled as he gifts a free kick. Anddd this was a massive chance here. Jimenez got a brilliant ball and he took an early test of Wiliams, hitting one to the right of the African goalkeeper, but well saved. 6 minutes: Mexico 0-0 South Africa

And the FIFA World Cup 2026 officially begins. Mexico have the possession to start the match. South Africa are defending deep with five full-backs. The Mexicans are controlling this at the moment in a calm start.

The anthems are done and it's time for the action to begin now. Mexico are going in with a 4-1-2-3 formation. South Africa are going with 5-3-2 with a robust defence line-up. This is the first time that two teams are facing each other for the first time in two FIFA World Cup openers. The other was in 2010.

And here are the players out on the pitch. They are welcomed by a rousing crowd at the Mexico City Stadium. Time for anthems here. South Africa's national anthem to go first, followed by Mexico's. We are less then five minutes away now.

The flags of the countries have been paraded at the stadium. They are in the middle of the pitch as World Cup ambassador Salma Hayek gives a speech.

Mexico look the favourites for this game. They have a home advantage, they are ranked higher in the rankings and look the stronger side in comparison to South Africa. They have not lost a single game in their last eight outings. They need a win here as this is not an easy group.

South Africa are going with five defenders with Modiba starting as the left-back. Mbokazi, Sibisi, Mudau and Okon are the other defenders. Three midfielders in Adams, Sithole and Mokoena, with Rayners and Foster share the attack.

Four times these two teams have faced each other, and Mexico hold the advantage 2-1. One match was a draw, and that was in the 2010 World Cup opener. Mexico are coming into this with form behind them. They have not lost a match since November 2025. Six wins and two draws. South Africa lost two of their last five.

We are a little over half an hour away from the kick-off at the Mexico City Stadium. This is the rematch of the FIFA World Cup 2010 opener. South Africa were the hosts then. Mexico are the co-hosts now. That game ended in a 1-1 draw. Can RSA pull something similar against a stronger Mexican team?

Here is the team sheet for Mexico. Israel Reyes in for Jorge Sanchez as the only change from their previous friendly. No Ochoa too.

Mexico XI: Raul Rangel (goalkeeper); Cesar Montes (captain), Johan Vasquez, Israel Reyes, Jesus Gallardo; Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutierrez; Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones, Roberto Alvarado.

Here's the starting XI of South Africa for the Mexico game. Aubrey Modiba was earlier injured but was back training as he is in the Starting XI.

And that's the wrap from the opening ceremony after some enthralling performances. Shakira headlined the ceremony, and she sang the official anthem there. We are now less than an hour away from the kick off of the first match. Team sheets coming up soon. Stay tuned.

And out comes Shakira for her performance. She is joined by Burna Boy as the two sing out the official World Cup anthem, "Let's go". The fans are yelling out here, and it's absolutely electric out in Mexico.

Venezuelan singer and songwriter Danny Ocean comes up with his performance now. He enthrals the fans singing Partidazo as he has been joined by performers in traditional Mexican dress.

Mexican pop-rock band Mana kicked off the opening ceremony with the first musical performance of the night. What a way to kick-start the night as a huge trophy rises between the centre of the pitch, with performers joining in. It's so exciting atmosphere here.

And here it is. The FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony is now on. The Mexico City Stadium is erupting in joy, welcoming the artists with all their hearts. 

Four teams are making their debuts in the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026. Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan are those ones. Cape Verde pipped Cameroon to make the way from Africa, Curacao are the smallest ever nation to reach the World Cup, Jordan came from the Middle East, while Uzbekistan came from Central Asia.

AFC: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Iraq

CAF: Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, DR Congo

CONCACAF: United States, Canada, Mexico, Curaçao, Haiti, Panama

CONMEBOL: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay

OFC: New Zealand

UEFA: England, France, Croatia, Norway, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Türkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia

No covering mouths: Footballers who cover their mouth with a hand, arm or shirt while confronting an opponent will now be shown a red card.

Time delays and punishment: Substitutions will also be subject to tighter timing regulations. Once replaced, a player must leave the field within 10 seconds using the nearest exit. 

Referees have also been given greater authority to tackle delays during restarts. If a throw-in or corner kick is considered excessively slow, officials can begin a five-second countdown. Possession may then be awarded to the defending side if the restart is not taken in time.

Increase in VAR responsibility: Officials will now be permitted to review incorrectly awarded corner kicks, provided the restart has not been delayed. Reviews will also be allowed for attacking fouls committed before play becomes live from a restart situation.

Medical treatment procedures have also been adjusted. Outfield players who receive treatment must remain off the field for one minute before returning. 

FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures (IST) for the opening week

Friday, June 12

• Group A: Mexico vs South Africa — 12:30 AM (Mexico City)

• Group A: South Korea vs Czechia — 7:30 AM (Zapopan)

Saturday, June 13

• Group B: Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina — 12:30 AM (Toronto)

• Group D: USA vs Paraguay — 6:30 AM (Los Angeles)

Sunday, June 14

• Group B: Qatar vs Switzerland — 12:30 AM (Santa Clara)

• Group C: Brazil vs Morocco — 3:30 AM (New Jersey)

• Group C: Haiti vs Scotland — 6:30 AM (Foxborough)

• Group D: Australia vs Turkey — 9:30 AM (Vancouver)

• Group E: Germany vs Curacao — 10:30 PM (Houston)

Monday, June 15

• Group F: Netherlands vs Japan — 1:30 AM (Arlington)

• Group E: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador — 4:30 AM (Philadelphia)

• Group F: Sweden vs Tunisia — 7:30 AM (Guadalajara)

• Group H: Spain vs Cape Verde — 9:30 PM (Atlanta)

Tuesday, June 16

• Group G: Belgium vs Egypt — 12:30 AM (Seattle)

• Group H: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay — 3:30 AM (Miami)

• Group G: Iran vs New Zealand — 6:30 AM (Los Angeles)

Wednesday, June 17

• Group I: France vs Senegal — 12:30 AM (New Jersey)

• Group I: Iraq vs Norway — 3:30 AM (Foxborough)

• Group J: Argentina vs Algeria — 6:30 AM (Kansas City)

• Group J: Austria vs Jordan — 9:30 AM (Santa Clara)

• Group K: Portugal vs DR Congo — 10:30 PM (Houston)

Thursday, June 18

• Group L: England vs Croatia — 1:30 AM (Arlington)

• Group L: Ghana vs Panama — 4:30 AM (Toronto)

• Group K: Uzbekistan vs Colombia — 7:30 AM (Mexico City)

• Group A: Czechia vs South Africa — 9:30 PM (Atlanta)

12 groups, 4 teams in all of them. Total 48 teams. 104 matches. Here's a look at all the groups of the FIFA World Cup 2026:

The tournament runs from June 11 (June 12 as per IST) to July 19 (20 as per IST). Here's the breakdown:

June 11 – June 27 - Group stage

June 28 – July 3 - Round of 32

July 4 – 7 - Round of 16

July 9 – 11 - Quarterfinals

July 14 – 15 - Semifinals

July 18 - Bronze medal match: 

July 19 - Final

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic (South Korea), Czechia (Czech Republic)

Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkiye

Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

The opening ceremony is very little away from now. Shakira headlines the celebrations, where she will perform "Dai Dai," the official anthem of the World Cup, with Nigeria's Burna Boy. J Balvin, Colombian singer and South African artist Tyla, will also be in attendance.

It's here. The biggest football World Cup is just a few hours away now. You waited for it for four years, and it has arrived. 48 teams, three hosts, 16 cities, 104 matches and one trophy. There is so much action on your way and it starts today from the first game between Mexico and South Africa. So fasten your belts and stay tuned with us in this action-packed journey.