Mexico defeated South Africa in the opening match of their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. The game featured goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, securing a win for the home team. However, the match was marred by a high number of disciplinary actions, specifically three red cards. South Africa saw Sithole and Zwane sent off, while Mexico’s César Montes also received a red card. The game was also noted for controversial moments, though details remain limited. The victory marks a positive start for Mexico’s qualification journey, despite the turbulent on-field events. The match highlighted potential challenges regarding player discipline for both teams moving forward.