Mexico open their home World Cup with a 2–0 win over South Africa

Opening night, Mexican fireworks

A home World Cup, and your team delivered. Mexico beat South Africa 2–0 at the Estadio Azteca in the tournament opener Thursday night, with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez sealing three points and an early grip on Group A. The Azteca was shaking. Rudi Völler called it "an incredible atmosphere, absolutely rocking." (1) (5) (6) (13)

Montes suspended, a headache for the next match

The one dark spot: center-back César Montes was sent off and will miss the second group game through suspension. That leaves a hole in the backline and a decision for the coaching staff. Who fills his shoes is now the biggest question before the next match. (2)

That Zwane red card? Controversial

It wasn't just Montes seeing red. South Africa's Themba Zwane was also dismissed, but former FIFA referee Keith Hackett says the call was wrong: "At most, the action was reckless, and a yellow card would have been appropriate." Mexico benefited from a soft one. (4)

Group A: South Korea keeps pace

Mexico sits top of Group A, but South Korea matched the three points with a 2–1 comeback win over Czech Republic. Son Heung-min and Hwang In-beom were on the scoresheet. The group already has a clear top two after matchday one. (5) (10)

Why Fidalgo chose Mexico over Spain

Midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo addressed his decision to represent Mexico instead of his native Spain. "I understand it seems strange," he said, but the América man has made his choice and is all in. (9)

Protests outside the Azteca

Not everything was celebration. Protests before the match led to clashes with police outside the stadium, a tense backdrop to an otherwise historic night. (8) (11)

Fan reactions

Mexican supporters online are buzzing. The Quiñones goal has people convinced this team has real bite up front. The red card to Montes is the main worry, fans are split between those who want a like-for-like replacement and those pushing for a tactical shift. The mood is overwhelmingly positive: a perfect start, a rocking Azteca, and belief that this World Cup could be special. Join the discussion on r/LigaMX.