South Africa suffered a 2-0 loss to co-host Mexico, in the opening 2026 World Cup game, with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
The opening ceremony was lighted up with songs from Nigerian musician, Burna Boy and Colombian star, Shakira.
Quinones got the first goal in the 9th minute of the encounter after a defensive error, firing a solo effort that beat goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams.
The South African side made several efforts to equalise in the first-half but failed to break the defensive wall of the North Americans.
Mexico continued to push for an opportunity to double their lead after the restart in the highly energetic game which saw Stephelo Sithole of South Africa sent off in the 49th minute.
Jimenez then scored the second goal for Mexico, following a timely assist from Roberto Albarado which sealed the win.
Shortly before the end of the game, the African side were reduced to nine men after Themba Zwane was shown a red card while the co-host team were one man short after Cesar Monte was forced off for hindering a goal-bound opportunity.
With the result, Mexico tops Group A with three points and will hope to ease their way into the next round of the tournament when they take on South Korea on June 19.
South Africa will play Czechia in their next game on June 18.
