Mexico win a red-card-strewn opener as the World Cup roars into life

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Mexico opened the World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, but the night was defined as much by its discipline as its goals. Julián Quiñones struck the tournament's first goal inside the opening 10 minutes and Raúl Jiménez added a second after the break, in a match that produced three red cards — the most in a World Cup game in two decades — including dismissals for South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole and Mexico's César Montes.

Jiménez's strike carried particular weight. The 35-year-old scored his first World Cup goal almost five years on from the fractured skull that nearly ended his career, and dedicated it to his late father, who died in March.

The opening day closed in Guadalajara, where South Korea came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1 at the Estadio Akron, giving Group play its second result.

Transfer and squad notes

The opener carried an immediate cost for Mexico, with Montes suspended for their next group game against South Korea following his red card — a blow for the hosts so early in the tournament.

Attention now turns to the other co-hosts on Day 2: Canada face Bosnia and Herzegovina before the United States meet Paraguay, with both home nations beginning their campaigns within hours of each other.

What it means for the league

The first 48-team World Cup is up and running, and the hosts delivered the result they wanted even as a chaotic opener served notice that referees will be tested in a tournament of this scale. Mexico's win was tempered by the loss of Montes to suspension, an early reminder that squad depth will matter across an expanded schedule.

With the United States and Canada about to join the action, the opening rounds will quickly establish which of the host nations can build momentum on home soil, while the rest of the field begins to take shape over the coming days.