The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, with co-host Mexico beating South Africa, 2-0, in Group A play at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The game might be remembered more for its physical play, with 23 total fouls, three yellow cards and three red cards issued — two to South Africa, which played with nine men for the final six minutes of regulation and seven minutes of stoppage time. Mexico's César Montes was sent off at 90+2'. All three players are ineligible their next group game.
Mexico's first goal came off a turnover just outside the South Africa box, with Julián Quiñones finishing through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Raúl Jiménez scored in the 67th minute on a header in the goal box, off a perfect service from Roberto Alvarado.
My take: South Africa were never in this. The end result was likely despite playing with nine men in the end. They were terrible on possession, struggling to complete passes in the finishing third and plagued by heavy touches in the back and midfield that led to turnovers. Perhaps a bit daunted by the Azteca. They will now be down two starters for next Thursday's group match against Czechia. Mexico will also play on the 18th against South Korea, in Guadalajara Stadium. They played with a lot of pressure on the ball, exposing their back line to counters, which might be a factor against their other two opponents in the group.
THE ASYLUM
Mexico wins to open World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, with co-host Mexico beating South Africa, 2-0, in Group A play at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The game might be remembered more for its physical play, with 23 total fouls, three yellow cards and three red cards issued — two to South Africa, which played with nine men for the final six minutes of regulation and seven minutes of stoppage time. Mexico's César Montes was sent off at 90+2'. All three players are ineligible their next group game.
Mexico's first goal came off a turnover just outside the South Africa box, with Julián Quiñones finishing through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Raúl Jiménez scored in the 67th minute on a header in the goal box, off a perfect service from Roberto Alvarado.
My take: South Africa were never in this. The end result was likely despite playing with nine men in the end. They were terrible on possession, struggling to complete passes in the finishing third and plagued by heavy touches in the back and midfield that led to turnovers. Perhaps a bit daunted by the Azteca. They will now be down two starters for next Thursday's group match against Czechia. Mexico will also play on the 18th against South Korea, in Guadalajara Stadium. They played with a lot of pressure on the ball, exposing their back line to counters, which might be a factor against their other two opponents in the group.
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