Mexico City, June 12 (SANA)Mexico began their2026 FIFA World Cupcampaign with a comfortable 2–0 victory overSouth Africaon Thursday at the iconic Azteca Stadium in the tournament’s opening match.

The hosts made a fast start, taking the lead in the ninth minute through Julian Quiñones. South Africa’s task became significantly harder early in the second half when Yaya Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute.

Mexicodoubled their advantage in the 67th minute, with Raúl Jiménez heading home from a cross by Roberto Alvarado to put the result beyond doubt.

South Africa were reduced to nine men in the 84th minute after a second red card, shown to Themba Zwane, while Mexico also ended the match with 10 players following a late dismissal for César Montes in stoppage time.

The result sees Mexico top Group A after the opening round, ahead of the Czech Republic and South Korea, who meet in the group’s other fixture on Friday.