00:01Mexico made an immediate impression in a drama-filled opening match of the 2026 World Cup,
00:07winning 2-0 against South Africa in a game that produced three red cards.
00:13In front of a crowd of more than 80,000 spectators, Mexico took the lead in the ninth minute
00:18when Julian Quiñones scored the opening goal of the tournament.
00:2235-year-old striker Raúl Jiménez headed in Mexico's second goal at the Estadio Azteca,
00:28which became the first stadium in the world to host games at three World Cups.
00:33South Africa had Svefelo Sitole dismissed for denying a goal-scoring opportunity
00:38before Themazwane was shown a red card for a slap.
00:42Mexico's César Montes was also sent off for a late foul.
00:46It was the first time there were three red cards given in the opening match of a World Cup tournament,
00:52and it's the most in a World Cup game since four were handed out
00:55when Portugal played the Netherlands at the 2006 tournament in Germany.
01:00Before kick-off, Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian singer Berna Boy performs Dai Dai,
01:06the official song of the tournament,
01:08and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli rounded off the opening ceremony.
01:13The second opening day match saw South Korea take a late-game lead against the Czech Republic,
01:19leading them to a 2-1 win.
01:21Mexico now has three points in Group A and plays South Korea next Thursday in Guadalajara.
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