Mexico's World Cup dream begins with fireworks and three red cards

The 2026 World Cup exploded into life at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday night, with Mexico marking their return to the global stage after 40 years with a 2-0 win over South Africa — a game that saw three red cards and a goal inside the first few minutes. Julian Quinones scored the fastest goal in a World Cup opener in twenty years, rifling home before the South Africans could settle. The goal ignited a stadium of 83,000 fans, many dressed in Mexico's green, who had moments earlier been treated to a star-studded opening ceremony featuring Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin and Andrea Bocelli. "Bienvenida a México. Welcome to Mexico," a performer announced. "Mexico receives you with smiles from our heart. We are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride." The early strike settled any nerves, and Raul Jimenez — the Wolves forward and the most recognisable name on the pitch — held back tears as he headed home Mexico's second just after the hour mark. South Africa's task had already been made all but impossible when Yaya Sithole was sent off early in the second half, the first dismissal in an opening game since 1994. VAR then intervened to show a red card to Themba Zwane for an off-the-ball incident, a decision that looked soft on first glance. Mexico defender Cesar Montes also saw red in stoppage time, but it could not dampen the energy inside the Azteca. Fans like Javier Pérez, who attended with his family, summed up the mood: "We were lucky to get hospitality tickets and it's a unique experience. I just want Mexico to get off on the right foot, win today and score a load of goals!" Mexico are co-hosting alongside the US and Canada, and if they top their group, they could play their last-32 and last-16 games in the capital. For now, the complications of the build-up — airport renovations, protests and cartel violence — have been pushed aside. Football is centre stage.