South Africa Match Unwanted World Cup Record After Two Red Cards Against Mexico

• Host nation Mexico claimed a crucial 2-0 victory over South Africa in a dramatic World Cup opener on June 11
• Bafana Bafana faced disciplinary chaos with two players sent off, matching an unwanted tournament record
• A historic milestone was reached with three red cards issued in a World Cup opening match on Thursday

The 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway with high drama at the Estadio Azteca as co-hosts Mexico secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the tournament on Thursday, June 11.

However, the Group A curtain-raiser will be remembered as much for its disciplinary chaos as the football itself, with Bafana Bafana equalling a long-standing unwanted tournament record after having two players sent off.

South Africa’s evening got off to the worst possible start when Julián Quiñones fired Mexico ahead after just eight minutes, giving the home crowd plenty to celebrate.

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South Africa reduced to nine men vs Mexico

Things went from bad to worse for the African side early in the second half when Yaya Sithole was shown a straight red card in the 50th minute, leaving Bafana Bafana facing an uphill battle.

Mexico quickly took advantage of their numerical superiority, with veteran striker Raúl Jiménez doubling the lead through a clinical header to put the result beyond serious doubt.

Any hopes of a late South African comeback disappeared in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane was also dismissed, reducing Bafana Bafana to nine players for the closing stages.

Watch Themba Zwane's red card incident as shared on X:

The second red card ensured South Africa matched an unwanted piece of World Cup history.

They became only the second team ever to have two players sent off in a tournament-opening match.

According to ESPN, the only previous instance came during the opening game of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, when Cameroon saw both André Kana-Biyik and Benjamin Massing dismissed against Argentina.

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Third red card creates new World Cup milestone

Just when it appeared the match had already delivered enough drama, another flashpoint deep into stoppage time produced a brand-new World Cup record.

South African defender Khuliso Mudau launched a dangerous counterattack as his side searched for a late consolation goal.

In an attempt to stop him, Mexican centre-back César Montes brought him down with a reckless challenge.

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio immediately reached for a straight red card, sending Montes off and adding another twist to an already chaotic contest.

That dismissal meant the match finished with three red cards in total, creating a new World Cup milestone.

According to the Independent, it was the first time in tournament history that three players had been sent off in a World Cup opening match.

While Mexico celebrated a winning start to their campaign, the encounter will also be remembered as one of the most ill-tempered opening games the competition has ever witnessed.

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Watch YouTube highlights of the South Africa and Mexico game:

Supercomputer predicts World Cup winner

Relatedly, YEN.com.gh reported that Opta's supercomputer had released its first major predictions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to the projections, Argentina will not defend their title, with Spain tipped as the favourites to win the tournament this year.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh