2026 World Cup Starts: Mexico beat South Africa 2:0

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off today in Mexico with one of the hosts, Mexico, beating South Africa in the opening game by 2:0. The World is hosted by three countries, Mexico, Canada and the USA with 42 teams participating.

The game saw three players sent off for rough tackles. Two South African players and one Mexican were sent off. Mexico had the chance to seize the game and score more goals against the nine-man Bafana Bafana of South Africa but poor tactical play rubbed them off that.

Down to nine men in the second half, the South Africans attempted to put in at least a goal but that effort was thwarted with a bad tackle by the Mexican defence and the referee wasted no time raising his red card.

It was a bad opening game for South Africa who not only lost the game but also lost two players who will not now feature in their next two games.

Mexico mixed a lot of scoring chances in the first half but still their standard of play is judged to be below World cup standard. Their advantage was playing at home and before a home crowd.