Three players were sent off, two in controversial fashion, as co-hosts Mexico launched the biggest World Cup in history with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at a sell-out Azteca Stadium. The 83,000-strong crowd had barely settled after a star-studded opening ceremony featuring Shakira and Burna Boy before the match descended into mayhem.
Kick-off at 8pm local time marked the start of a 48-nation tournament spanning three host countries: Mexico, Canada and the United States. The final will be played in New Jersey on July 19. But the opening night belonged to the Azteca, where the first red card arrived in the first half, swiftly followed by two more after the break – leaving both sides to finish with ten men each after one of the dismissals was later reduced on review.
“Three red cards and a 2-0 win for Mexico as World Cup 2026 opens at a packed Azteca Stadium.”
Mexico capitalised on the chaos, scoring twice to secure the win and announce their intentions as hosts. The result sets the tone for Group A, while other nations begin their campaigns in the coming days. England, who impressed in a 3-0 warm-up victory over Costa Rica with Jude Bellingham particularly shining, face Croatia on June 17. Scotland take on Haiti on June 13.
The tournament's expanded format means 48 teams are chasing glory, and the opening match proved that discipline may be at a premium. With three red cards – a record for a World Cup opener – the game served as a warning that the heat of the competition, and the Mexican altitude, could boil over at any moment.