Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 at Estadio Azteca in their World Cup opener, with Raúl Jiménez scoring his first World Cup goal. A second Mexico goal late in the match doubled the lead and left South Africa needing to manage goal differential for qualification. Referees showed three red cards during the game, significantly reducing on-field personnel and affecting the closing stages. The win gives Mexico an early Group A advantage and forces South Africa to chase results and goals in their remaining matches.
