Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez were both on target for the co-hosts, who finished with 10 men after Cesar Montes was sent off late on, as El Tri got off to the perfect start in Group A, though they were helped as South Africa received two red cards.

Yaya Sithole, who had been at fault for the opening goal, was shown a straight red for denying a goalscoring opportunity four minutes after the break, before substitute Themba Zwane was also dismissed for violent conduct after catching Roberto Alvarado in the face.

As such, among nations to play 10+ games in the World Cup, South Africa have received a red card in the highest percentage of games (30% – 3/10).

Bafana Bafana are also the first team to have two red cards in a World Cup match since both the Netherlands and Portugal did so in their last-16 match in 2006.

"I don't think there's much to say about the first red card, but on the second, I think the Mexican player blocked our player," Broos said.

"The referee decided something else – it's a pity to finish this occasion with nine players."

It ends in defeat at Estadio Azteca, not the start we wanted. On to the next one#BafanaPride#FIFA pic.twitter.com/wHy4Eemvpj

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 11, 2026

South Africa managed just three shots worth a combined 0.07 expected goals (xG), with only 0.01 of that coming after the break.

Overall, they had just two touches in the opposition box, with one of those a shot, and managed just 39 final-third entries.

"My team played a good game. Some moments, Mexico were even desperate," Broos added.

"They didn't know how to find spaces. But in the next game, we must be better when we have the ball. That was not so good, so we have to work on it.

"When you play this game against the hosts, you are under pressure. The only time we were under pressure was in the first 20 minutes.

"We had the ball, played well, but the problem was simple mistakes — twice we lost possession in areas we shouldn't have, and Mexico punished us immediately with two goals."

South Africa face Czechia in their next game on June 18, with South Korea their final opponents in Group A.

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Quinones starred as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 at the Mexico City Stadium, where three players saw red.

South Africa were reduced to nine men, with Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane dismissed, before Mexico captain Cesar Montes received his marching orders in second-half stoppage time.

The tally of three red cards already at this edition of the tournament is just one short of the entire number of red cards that were shown at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (four in 64 matches).

It was nevertheless a job well done for Mexico, who teed themselves up to progress into the round of 32.

Quinones led all Mexico players for shots (five), successful dribbles (five) and line-breaking passes in the final third (five). His ninth-minute opener marked the first time a CONCACAF player has scored the first goal in a single edition of the World Cup.

"I'm happy and excited to score my first World Cup goal, in such a spectacular stadium with amazing fans," he said.

"It's important for me to acknowledge what my team-mates did to secure the first three points.

"We've felt the support of the fans these past few days; we're connected, and it really showed."

Nine of Mexico's 10 outfield players were involved in the 34-second passing move that led to Raúl Jiménez's goal versus South Africa. pic.twitter.com/nLQuMazHuw

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 11, 2026

Mexico remain unbeaten in their last eight World Cup openers (W6 D2) since losing 1-0 to Norway in their first game in 1994.

Raul Jimenez scored their second, netting his first World Cup goal as he headed home from Roberto Alvarado's excellent cross in the second half.

At 35 years and 37 days, Jimenez is the oldest player to score on his first World Cup start since Iran's Yahya Golmohammadi in 2006 (35y 84d).

"It was a really beautiful feeling, something beyond words, something I had always dreamed of: playing a match of this magnitude, at home, with these fans," Alvarado said.

"The game plan is always to go out and press. After that, we dropped the tempo a bit, but maybe we lacked a little more patience and a little more possession of the ball.

"I'm happy that Raul was able to score that goal. At half-time, he had told me to send in a cross for him. I didn't think twice, and I knew that in that area it could be dangerous. Thank God I got the assist, and Raul was able to score that goal."

Mexico take on Son Heung-min's South Korea in their next Group A fixture.

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Spurs only stayed up on the final day of the season, as they beat Everton 1-0 at home.

Had they lost to the Toffees, then they would have gone down, given West Ham beat Leeds United.

However, Spurs, under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi, can now look forward to next season in the top-flight.

And Porro acknowledged a huge pressure has now dissipated.

"Physically and mentally, I am much better now when you take off the 100-kilo weight that was on top of us," Porro said as he spoke to the media at Spain's World Cup camp.

"We had a tough end to the season, but everything worked out in the end, which is the most important thing. Roberto came in and kept us in the Premier League."

Marcos Senesi has been called up to represent Argentina at the World Cup!

Go well, Marcos pic.twitter.com/WkhlYzvaNU

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 11, 2026

Despite Spurs' struggles, Porro topped the charts for chances created among defenders in the Premier League in 2025-26, with 53.

Only Marcos Senesi, who has now signed for Spurs, registered more expected assists among defenders than Porro in the competition, too – 4.7 xA to 4.5 xA.

Porro has been linked with a return to Manchester City, for whom he was contracted for three years between 2019 and 2022, albeit he spent all of those seasons out on loan.

However, his immediate focus is on Spain's World Cup campaign.

"About City, I have not read anything, I do not know anything, I am concentrating on the World Cup, and then we'll see," said the 26-year-old.

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With the 2026 World Cup now fully underway, there are a string of eye-catching betting markets available this summer.

Verdict: Switzerland win to nil

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: 1xBet

Qatar

Starting with Qatar, while the Maroons might be set to embark on consecutive World Cup adventures for the first time in their history, Julien Lopetegui’s camp are searching for what would be an almighty miracle in North America. Despite turning to the former West Ham boss last year, they have drastically failed to find their feet under the Spanish tactician. Missing out on the chance to claim some essential momentum last week as they had to settle for an uneventful 0-0 stalemate against El Salvador, Qatar are widely regarded as the standout contender to finish rock-bottom in Group B. In fact, along with failing to win any of their previous six appearances across all formats, Qatar have also notched just a sole victory from their last 11 attempts.

Qatar Team News

Breaking plenty of records during Qatar’s Asian qualifying adventure last year and notching 12 goals, Al-Duhail marksman Almoez Ali will shoulder plenty of Lopetegui’s attacking threat this summer.

Comfortably Qatar’s all-time appearance maker and opening Saturday’s World Cup opener sat on 184 international caps, talismanic skipper Hassan Al-Haydos will lead out the Maroons this weekend. One-time St. Liege attacker Edmilson Junior will feature in the final third.

Switzerland

As for Switzerland, while the Nati might be widely regarded as the standout contender to clinch top spot in Group B this summer, Murat Yakin’s camp have failed to find any kind of momentum ahead of Saturday’s World Cup opener in Santa Clara. Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a 1-1 stalemate against fellow finalists Australia, the Reds have recorded just a single win from any of their previous five appearances on either side of opening 2026. Getting the New Year underway with a rollercoaster 4-3 defeat at the hands of Germany, Switzerland have struggled to find their feet since an epic qualifying romp last year. Nevertheless, pencilled in as a standout favourite on Saturday and smelling a golden opportunity, Yakin’s side will be desperate to get their Group B adventure underway with a flurry.

Switzerland Team News

Enjoying a sensational maiden campaign with Premier League outfit Sunderland and dragging the Black Cats to an iconic Europa League ticket, Granit Xhaka will lead Switzerland out on Saturday night and earn a 147th International cap here.

Eventually granted entry to the United States following a prolonged visa issue, Rennes striker Breel Embolo should lead the line in Santa Clara. Making his move to Italian heavyweights Inter Milan, now-former Manchester City star Manuel Akanji will start at the heart of Switzerland’s defence.

Qatar vs Switzerland Key Factors to Consider

• When Qatar and Switzerland met for their only historic meeting back in November 2018, the Maroon Ones secured a shock 1-0 victory in Lugano.
• Switzerland have registered just a single win from any of their previous five appearances on either side of opening 2026.
• Along with failing to win any of their previous six appearances across all formats, Qatar have also notched just a sole victory from their last 11 attempts.
• Qatar have registered just a sole strike in over 530 minutes of action.
• Switzerland conceded just a pair of strikes in their six World Cup qualifying appearances last year.

Conclusion

While Switzerland might have drastically failed to find any real momentum prior to Saturday’s World Cup opener, they have been handed a golden opportunity here. Regarded as the standout contender in Group B this summer, the Nati will be desperate to get their adventure underway with an early flurry. Despite falling to a 1-0 loss when they met Qatar for their only historic showdown back in November 2018, Yakin’s camp are rightfully installed as a landslide favourite in Santa Clara. Although Switzerland might have mustered just a sole victory from their previous five outings across all fronts, we are backing them to enjoy a routine opening contest on Saturday night.

Verdict: Switzerland win to nil

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: 1xBet

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The 23-year-old was named the Championship player of the season after an impressive campaign with Boro.

David Moyes wants to strengthen his midfield this summer, and Everton has renewed its interest in Hackney after considering a move for him 12 months ago. The midfielder has one year left on his contract and is expected to leave Middlesbrough after the club failed to win promotion to the Premier League.

The Times reports that Everton is preparing a £15 million bid for Hackney, while Middlesbrough values him closer to £20m. Hackney is said to be keen on a move to Goodison Park, though Crystal Palace is also showing strong interest.

Hackney came through Middlesbrough’s academy and has developed into one of the most admired midfielders outside the Premier League. He can play in a deeper role or further forward, which makes him an attractive option for Moyes as Everton looks to reshape its squad.

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The German champion has reportedly improved its offer for the Morocco international, with the latest proposal worth €53 million. PSV is holding out for a club-record fee before agreeing to sell one of its most important players.

Bayern Munich has already agreed personal terms with Saibari, who is ready to sign a long-term contract with the Bundesliga giant. The two clubs now need to reach a full agreement over the final transfer fee.

Saibari has developed into one of the standout players in the Eredivisie. The 25-year-old scored 19 goals and registered nine assists in 37 appearances last season, helping PSV enjoy another strong campaign.

PSV does not want to lose Saibari cheaply, but Bayern Munich is pushing to complete the deal as it looks to strengthen its attacking options this summer.

If the transfer goes through, Saibari would become one of Bayern’s major summer signings and give Vincent Kompany another versatile option in the final third.

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The Gunners have already made direct contact with the player’s representatives, though they are not alone in the race for his signature.

Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United have also been linked with the 23-year-old, while Aston Villa is expected to demand at least £80 million for him.

Rogers enjoyed an excellent season with Villa, helping Unai Emery’s side win the Europa League and secure Champions League football. His performances have also brought him into the England setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The former Manchester City and Middlesbrough player signed a long-term contract with Villa last year, which runs until 2031. That puts Villa in a strong negotiating position, even if interest in the player continues to grow.

Arsenal is looking to add more quality and versatility to its attack, and Rogers’ ability to play centrally or from the left makes him an interesting option for Mikel Arteta.

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The 23-year-old has impressed in Ligue 1 and has attracted interest from several clubs after a strong season with Lens.

Sangaré joined Lens from Rapid Vienna in 2025 and quickly became an important player for the French club. He is under contract until 2030, which puts Lens in a strong position ahead of the summer transfer window.

Sangaré is valued at around €40 million, though the final price could rise due to the level of interest in the Mali international.

Manchester United is expected to strengthen its midfield this summer, and Sangaré appears to be one of the names under consideration. The Red Devils have already looked at several midfield options, but the Lens player’s physical profile and development in France have now put him on their radar.

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The 22-year-old winger has emerged as one of Newcastle’s top attacking targets, with negotiations now ongoing on both the club and player side.

Reportedly, Newcastle is close to signing Muñoz in a deal worth €35 million plus €5m in add-ons. That package would effectively cover the player’s €40m release clause, though the structure of the deal could make the operation more favorable from a financial point of view.

Real Madrid could still have an important role in the transfer. The Spanish giant kept 50% of Muñoz’s rights when he moved to Osasuna, while it also has a matching right and a buy-back clause.

Muñoz enjoyed an impressive season with Osasuna, scoring seven goals and registering five assists. His form also earned him a place in Spain’s World Cup squad, increasing interest in his future.

Newcastle is looking to strengthen its wide options, and Muñoz is seen as an ideal replacement for Gordon, after his transfer to Barcelona.

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Senesi, who only joined Spurs on a free transfer from Bournemouth on Wednesday, was called up on Thursday, just before kick-off in the tournament's opening match.

The defending world champions required a replacement for Leonardo Balerdi, who sustained an injury in training and has had to withdraw from the squad.

Senesi made 39 appearances across all competitions, the joint-most among Bournemouth's outfield players, while also completing more passes (1,839) than any other player for the Cherries.

#SelecciónMayor El defensor Marcos Senesi se suma a la convocatoria de futbolistas que disputarán la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026. pic.twitter.com/yL113my5SL

—Selección Argentina (@Argentina) June 11, 2026

The 29-year-old has made three appearances for his country since he debuted for Argentina in 2022.

Argentina take on Algeria in their Group J opener on Tuesday, before they face Austria and Jordan.

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