Mexico defeated South Africa 3-0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The match, which marked the beginning of the tournament co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, was marred by disciplinary issues that resulted in three red cards being issued during the game.

Raul Jiménez scored for Mexico in what was described as an emotional moment at the historic Azteca Stadium, a venue that has previously hosted World Cup matches in 1970 and 1986. The goal added to the stadium's rich football history and provided a memorable moment for the home crowd.

The match was characterized by its chaotic nature, with the three red cards significantly impacting the flow of play. The disciplinary actions affected both teams, though specific details about which players received the cards were not immediately available.

The victory gives Mexico a strong start to their World Cup campaign on home soil. As one of the tournament's co-hosts, Mexico will be looking to capitalize on home advantage throughout the competition.

The 2026 World Cup represents the first time the tournament will be jointly hosted by three nations, with matches scheduled across venues in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The opening ceremony and match at the Azteca Stadium officially launched what is expected to be the largest World Cup in history.