Mexico beats South Africa 2-0 in World Cup opener

MEXICO CITY - Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in each half as co-host Mexico beat nine-man South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday.

Quinones capitalized on a turnover to give his side an early lead in the Group A clash before Sphephelo Sithole received a red card for bringing down Brian Gutierrez.

Jimenez nodded in Mexico's second goal and South Africa suffered a further blow when Themba Zwane was also sent off for a high challenge on Roberto Alvarado.