World Cup co-hosts Mexico began their campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over South Africa in a dramatic opening match at a packed Estadio Azteca Stadium.
Julian Quinones gave the hosts an early lead by scoring their first goal just after nine minutes and came close to doubling the lead just before halftime, but his first-time effort from 12 yards struck the base of the right-hand post and stayed out.
Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez then headed home a second goal in the second half as he scored his first ever World Cup goal.
The match was overshadowed by three red cards, with South Africa’s Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane both sent off, leaving their team with nine men.
Mexico also finished with 10 players after Cesar Montes was dismissed late on. The game also saw 17-year-old Gilberto Mora become one of the youngest players ever to appear at a World Cup as Mexico secured the perfect start to their third tournament as hosts.
The opening ceremony was a colourful spectacle, with Colombian star Shakira among the performers, entertaining fans ahead of kick-off.
In another game, South Korea gets a 2-1 win against Czech Republic.
Hwang In-beom starred with a goal and assist with another as South Korea beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in the second World Cup match.
After a goalless and subdued first half, Czech captain Ladislav Krejci headed his side in front in the 59th minute.
South Korea responded quickly, with Hwang equalising in the 67th minute before setting up Oh Hyeon-gyu’s winning strike in the 80th.
The match, played at Guadalajara Stadium, saw South Korea secure a strong comeback victory despite a sparse crowd.
Meanwhile, Canada draw 1-1 against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Substitute Cyle Larin came off the bench to score in the 78th minute, earning co-hosts Canada a 1-1 draw against Bosnia Herzegovina, securing their first-ever World Cup point.
Playing before a passionate home crowd in Toronto, Larin converted a pass from Promise David just two minutes after coming on. Bosnia-Herzegovina had taken the lead in the 21st minute through Jovo Lukic, who headed home from a corner kick.
The result leaves both teams with a point in the tournament after Canada battled back to avoid defeat on home soil.
