Co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a dramatic World Cup opener in Mexico City, where three players were sent off.
A star-studded opening ceremony featuring Shakira, Burna Boy and J Balvin entertained the 80,000 fans in attendance at the historic Azteca Stadium before kick-off.
The opening match of the 2026 World Cup was marked by a flurry of red cards. South Africa’s Yaya Sithole was first to be dismissed for denying a goalscoring opportunity, before Themba Zwane was sent off late on for a controversial slap on an opponent. Mexico's César Montes also saw red in stoppage time for a late challenge.
Mexico took just nine minutes to score the opening goal of the tournament, with Julián Quiñones slotting home as the hosts made a dominant start.
After South Africa's first dismissal, striker Raúl Jiménez doubled Mexico's lead with a header midway through the second half.
Mexico also introduced the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup, 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, during the second half.
The victory gives Mexico an early advantage in Group A, which also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic.
Despite the win, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was not entirely satisfied with his side's performance.
"This was a 4-0 match. We didn't play good enough, but people are happy," he told reporters. "It's the start of the World Cup - we've put the nerves behind us and now we have three points. We're thinking about what's next."
Mexico face South Korea in Guadalajara on 18 June, while South Africa take on the Czech Republic in Atlanta.
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As the Ukraine war is highlighted by some leaders during the United Nations' 81st General Assembly meeting in New York, Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early on Thursday with ballistic missiles, killing two people and injuring six, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
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Here’s your AnewZ Daily Brief for 24 September 2026, with five key developments from the second day of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
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