CORNERFLICK
Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa, but the match will be remembered for a record disciplinary tally rather than the football alone.
Javier Aguirre's side took the lead through Julián Quiñones in the first half and added a second after the break through Raúl Jiménez. The result gave Mexico a strong start to the tournament.
The contest was overshadowed by the referee's decisions. It became the first World Cup opening match in history to feature three direct red cards.
The first dismissal came early in the second half. Brian Gutiérrez was through on goal after a fine through ball and, with a South Africa defender chasing, moved across his path before Sibusiso brought him down on the edge of the box. Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio had no hesitation in showing the first red of the game.