Co-hosts Mexico launched their FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday at the iconic Estadio Azteca, delighting a packed home crowd as the tournament got underway.

Julian Quiñones etched his name into the history books by scoring the opening goal of the World Cup, while veteran striker Raúl Jiménez added a second-half goal to secure all three points for Mexico in their Group A opener.

South Africa endured a difficult outing and finished the match with nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off.

Buoyed by the support of more than 80,000 fans at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico made a dream start when Quiñones broke the deadlock in the ninth minute. The forward capitalized on a defensive error and fired a low shot through the legs of South African goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams to send the home supporters into celebration.

The early goal set the tone for a dominant Mexican performance, with the hosts controlling possession and dictating the tempo throughout much of the encounter.

South Africa struggled to settle into the match amid the intense atmosphere, and their task became even more difficult shortly after halftime when Sithole was shown a red card in the 49th minute for bringing down Brian Gutierrez as the Mexican attacker raced through on goal.

Mexico doubled their advantage in the 67th minute through Jiménez. A swift counterattack ended with Roberto Alvarado delivering a precise cross that the experienced forward headed into the net at the far post.

The visitors’ frustrations deepened in the 84th minute when Zwane was sent off following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review that found he had struck Alvarado in the face with his arm.

Mexico’s afternoon was not entirely without blemish, however, as defender César Montes received a late red card for a reckless challenge on Khulisa Mudau near the edge of the penalty area.

Despite finishing with 10 men, Mexico comfortably saw out the closing stages to secure a winning start to their World Cup campaign and strengthen their hopes of advancing from Group A.

The victory gives the tournament hosts an early boost as they seek to build momentum in front of their passionate home supporters. South Africa, meanwhile, will need a strong response in their remaining group-stage fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive.