Three red cards shown as Mexico beat South Africa in World Cup opener

Mexico defeated South Africa 2-1 in the opening match of the FIFA Women's World Cup on June 20, 2027, at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The match saw three red cards issued, two for South Africa and one for Mexico, marking a dramatic start to the tournament. South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana scored the opening goal in the 15th minute, but Mexico equalized in the 38th minute through a penalty converted by Lizbeth Ovalle. The decisive goal for Mexico came in the 72nd minute from a strike by Diana Ordóñez. South Africa had defender Noxolo Cesane sent off in the 55th minute and midfielder Refiloe Jane in the 88th minute. Mexico's captain, Maria Sanchez, received a red card in the 90th minute for a second bookable offense. The attendance at the Azteca Stadium was reported as 83,100.