At the Azteca Stadium, in the opening World Cup football match, after a South African blunder Julian Quinones slot home between the goalkeeper’s legs the Mexican opening goal of the World Cup 2026. Three players were sent off as World Cup co-host Mexico defeated South Africa, as Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio produced the flurry of red cards- South Africa’s Yaya Sithole for denying a goal scoring opportunity, Themba Zwane for a slap, and then sending off Mexico’s Cesar Montes for a late foul-leaving South Africa with nine man and Mexico reduced to 10 in closing moments. Striker Raul Jimenez, 35, sealed Mexican victory with his first goal at a World Cup heading in powerfully from Roberto Alvarado’s cross to make 2-0. In the other match South Korea  beat Czech Republic 2-1.