Mexico kicked off their home FIFA World Cup adventure in style, claiming a commanding 2-0 win over South Africa in an electrifying opener that saw tempers flare and three players sent off.

Inside a roaring Azteca Stadium, South African midfielder Yaya Sithole endured a debut to forget. His costly midfield error gifted Julián Quiñones the chance to pounce, sending the home crowd into celebration just nine minutes in.

The situation worsened for the midfielder in the second half when he was shown a straight red card for bringing down Bryan Gutiérrez as the Mexican attacker raced through on goal. Referee Wilton Sampaio had little hesitation in dismissing him.

Mexico seized control from the first whistle, threatening to run up the score before halftime. Raúl Jiménez was twice thwarted by the acrobatic Ronwen Williams, and Quiñones rattled the post as the hosts dictated play and kept Bafana Bafana at bay.

With nerves mounting in the stands, Jiménez calmed the crowd by nodding in a perfect cross from Roberto Alvarado at the far post, notching his first World Cup goal. The moment carried extra weight, marking a triumphant chapter in his comeback from a life-threatening head injury in 2020.

The drama continued late in the match when VAR intervened after South Africa substitute Thembo Zwane was seen striking Alvarado in the face during a challenge for the ball. Following a review, Sampaio issued a red card in one of the tournament’s first major controversies.

Moments later, Mexico was also reduced to ten men when defender César Montes was sent off for halting a South African counterattack on the edge of the penalty area. Despite the distance still separating Khalisu Mudau from the goal, Sampaio upheld the decision after a VAR review, sparking further debate.

Despite the late disciplinary drama, Mexico comfortably secured all three points and an ideal start to their World Cup campaign.