By Ben Efe 11.6.2026
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana lost their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the co-hosts Mexico scored in both half to seal the win.
South Africa as hosts of the 2010 World Cup played against Mexico in the opening match, which ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw, but in 2026 it wasn’t a good start for the Bafana Bafana.
The game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will be best remembered for festivals of yellow and red cards. Bafana had two players sent off, and two others put on yellow, they became the first country to bag two red cards in an opening game. Mexico had a player also heading for an early shower.
Julián Quiñones opened the scoring with a goal in the ninth minute of play for the hosts.
At the start of the second half Bafana Bafana’s midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was shown a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, and that left South Africa with only 10 men.
Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio gave Themba Zwane the second marching orders late in the second half. Zwane had lashed out and caught an opponent with his hand. Sampaio later flashed a third red card to Mexican defender César Montes.
Raul Jiménez gave Mexican fans the satisfaction they craved when he slotted in the second goal. Jiménez was in tears after his goal. The 35-year-old striker recently lost his father.
South Africa play Czechia next, Mexico face South Korea.