World Cup Recap: Seeing Red
Three red cards. Three!!
MEXICO 2-0 SOUTH AFRICA
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Mexico and South Africa got the 2026 World Cup going on Thursday, with one of the most bizarre opening matches we’ve ever had.
It was hardly a classic — South Africa were largely terrible, making basic defensive mistakes and accumulating just 0.07 xG from a meagre three shots — but there was nevertheless plenty of drama.
Julian Quinones, who plundered 33 Saudi Pro League goals in 2025-26, transferred his fine form to the biggest stage of all as his drilled finish put Mexico ahead after just nine minutes at the Azteca.
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Yaya Sithole had a shocker for that goal, giving the ball away on the edge of South Africa’s box, and he was then caught cold early in the second half, and could only fell Brian Gutierrez, who was through on goal.
Sithole was sent straight off, and Mexico had the points wrapped up when Raul Jimenez, at the ripe old age of 35, scored his first World Cup goal soon after.
But the drama was still to come. First, Themba Zwane was harshly dismissed after a VAR review, before — in second-half stoppage time — Mexico captain Cesar Montes received his marching orders for a lazy foul, albeit one that is, nine times out of 10, a yellow.
That means there has already been three red cards at this World Cup. Across the entirety of the 2022 World Cup, only four red cards were shown (stat courtesy of Opta).
Quick Quotes: Julian Quinones (Mexico)
“I’m happy and excited to score my first World Cup goal, in such a spectacular stadium with amazing fans,” he said.
“It’s important for me to acknowledge what my team-mates did to secure the first three points.
“We’ve felt the support of the fans these past few days; we’re connected, and it really showed.”
SOUTH KOREA 2-1 CZECHIA
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