The opening game of the World Cup saw Mexico triumph over a depleted South Africa side, which ended the match with only nine players. The scoring began when Julián Quiñones capitalized on a mistake from Sphephelo Sithole just nine minutes in, slipping the ball through Ronwen Williams’s legs.

Despite the chaotic atmosphere surrounding the tournament's organization, with criticism directed at FIFA for its management, Mexican fans remained undeterred. Mexico's manager, Javier Aguirre, acknowledged that while his team was superior, the final score did not reflect their dominance. He expressed optimism for improvement moving forward.

The match was marred by three red cards, a stark contrast to the overall lack of discipline displayed by South Africa. Aguirre noted the excitement in the stadium, which was filled with vibrant energy, mariachi bands, and enthusiastic fans wearing sombreros. Raúl Jiménez sealed the victory with a header, showcasing Mexico's attacking prowess.

South Africa's coach, Hugo Broos, praised his team's effort but conceded that they were outmatched. The match's intensity escalated as Sithole received a second yellow card early in the second half, followed by a dismissal for Themba Zwane late in the game.

In this thrilling opener, Mexico secured a vital win, but concerns over the tournament's organization and geopolitical tensions lingered. As the competition progresses, the host nation aims to build on this victory.