Co-hosts Mexico got their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign off to a strong start with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Friday.

The opening match was filled with drama and controversy, producing two goals and three red cards.

Mexican striker Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the 9th minute, while Raúl Jiménez added the second goal in the 67th minute.

Defender César Montes was sent off for the home side in the 92nd minute.

South Africa also finished the game with nine players after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were shown red cards.

Mexico entered the match as strong favourites, backed by a passionate home crowd of 80,824 fans at the Azteca, which proved to be a decisive factor in their dominant performance.

The high altitude of the Estadio Azteca, situated at roughly 7,300 feet above sea level, also gave the Mexican side a significant advantage.

While Mexico are regular participants in the World Cup, South Africa made their return to the tournament after more than 16 years, having last hosted the event in 2010.

Mexico, on the other hand, is still carrying the disappointment of failing to advance from the group stage in Qatar 2022 — their first such exit since 1978.

Also read: Biggest FIFA World Cup unfolds in all-new avatar