Looking ahead in Group A, the focus shifts to Guadalajara's Estadio Akron, where the Czech Republic will face South Korea to wrap up the opening round of fixtures.

The chaos of the evening wasn't entirely confined to the pitch, as security issues flared up in the center of Mexico City before kickoff. Overcrowding at the official World Cup fan zone in Zócalo plaza led to intense pushing and shoving, with access severely hindered by metal barriers previously set up to block protesting teachers. Frustrated supporters threw water bottles and shouted at police amid the disorganized entry, contrasting sharply with the party atmosphere inside the stadium.

The dramatic disciplinary meltdown continued late into stoppage time, though this time it was the hosts who saw red. Mexico defender César Montes was sent off after hacking down Khuliso Mudau during a rare South African attack, ensuring both teams ended the match short-handed.

South Africa's night went from bad to worse ten minutes from time when they were reduced to nine men. Veteran midfielder Themba Zwane received a straight red card for an elbow on Roberto Alvarado, completely killing off any faint hopes of a late African fightback.

Mexico finally turned their numerical superiority into a cushion midway through the second half. Roberto Alvarado caused havoc down the right wing before delivering a precise cross for Raúl Jiménez, who ghosted in at the back post to head past Ronwen Williams and make it 2-0.

The tactical dynamic of the game flipped completely right after the interval. South Africa's mountain became much steeper when Sphephelo Sithole's nightmare performance concluded with a straight red card for a professional foul on a goal-bound Brian Gutiérrez.

The opening goal of the 2026 World Cup arrived just nine minutes into the contest, courtesy of a disastrous defensive error. Sithole miscontrolled the ball inside his own half, allowing Julián Quiñones to pounce on the mistake, slot the ball past Williams, and spark wild celebrations with the Mexican bench.

The match capped off a spectacular opening ceremony at the Estadio Azteca that celebrated Mexican culture and history. Shakira and Burna Boy took center stage to perform the official tournament song "Dai Dai," alongside high-profile performances from J Balvin and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli to kick off the expanded 48-team tournament.