Soccer fan Anna Villarreal watches Mexico and South Africa kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cub from a watch party on the National Mall in Washington on June 11, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch TimesMexico shut out South Africa in its capital city on June 11 to open the 2026 World Cup with a 2–0 home victory that was marred by a historic number of penalties. More than 80,000 fans packed into the famous Azteca stadium—officially known in this tournament as Mexico City Stadium—erupted in celebration after 97 minutes, three yellow cards, and a first-ever instance of three red cards in a World Cup opener.
Mexico Shuts Down South Africa 20 to Win World Cup Opening Game
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