Mexico v South Africa

FULL-TIME: MEXICO 2-0 SOUTH AFRICA.

Surprisingly, this is not the first World Cup game to see three straight reds shown. The last time it happened, South Africa were also involved, when they played Denmark in 1998 – the Bafana Bafana had one to the Danes' two on that occasion.

It's a waste of a free-kick, really, as South Africa take it short instead of whipping a cross into the box. Mudau takes a heavy touch, and it's an easy one for Mexico to get clear.

MEXICO ARE DOWN TO 10! We've had three red cards in the 2026 World Cup opener! South Africa broke in numbers and had four players on three as Mudau raced towards the box. Montes gets across and clips him just outside the box, and the referee is quick to go to his pocket to get another red card out for denying a goalscoring opportunity!

We're into seven added minutes at the end of the game, and when Alvarado can't find any space down the right, Mexico switch it out to the opposite flank. Vega gets caught in possession cutting inside, and that's another chance wasted.

Mexico are camped out in South Africa's half as they continue to search for another goal. There are eight yellow shirts between them and the goal, though, and they'll have to be clever to find an opening.