More Red Cards than Goals b/w Mexico and South Africa 🟥🤣
Last Updated on: 11th June 2026, 09:33 pm
Mexico Start Strong in Opening Match
Mexico opened its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over South Africa in a match that delivered goals, drama, and multiple red cards. The co-hosts controlled large phases of the game in Mexico City and set the tone early with sharp attacking football and high intensity.
Quiñones Breaks the Deadlock Early
The breakthrough arrived in the 9th minute when Julián Quiñones finished calmly through the goalkeeper’s legs after a brilliant attacking move. The early goal gave Mexico complete momentum and forced South Africa onto the back foot for most of the first half.
Jiménez Doubles the Lead
Mexico continued their dominance in the second half and were rewarded in the 67th minute. Raúl Jiménez rose at the back post to meet a precise cross from Alvarado, powering a header past the keeper to make it 2-0 and send the home crowd into celebration.
Red Card Chaos Takes Over the Match
The match turned chaotic as discipline collapsed on both sides. South Africa was first reduced to 10 men after Y. Sithole’s dismissal in the 49th minute. Things worsened in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for violent conduct, leaving South Africa with just nine players.
In stoppage time, Mexico also saw captain César Montes sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, making it three red cards in a dramatic encounter where tempers flared throughout.
Final Whistle: Mexico Controls the Opener
Despite the chaos, Mexico stayed composed and managed the game professionally to secure all three points. South Africa struggled after the red cards and were unable to recover.
At full-time, Mexico walked away with a 2-0 win, a strong start to their World Cup 2026 journey, while the match will be remembered more for its discipline issues than just the scoreline.
My name is Muhammad Abdullah. I picked up a football at age 11 and never really put it down. At 16, I joined Prince Football Club in Duniyapur, where I still play today as a right forward. I started Footricks to share what I actually learned from years on the pitch not what looks good on a spec sheet. Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up this is for you.
