Julian Quinones scored in the ninth minute of the opening game, confirming Mexico's early dominance in a stadium that hosted the 1970 and 1986 finals.

The kickoff launched a sprawling tournament of 48 teams that will last nearly six weeks.

The extravaganza hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada is the biggest World Cup in history, stretching until the final in New Jersey on July 19 and is projected to generate a record-breaking $13 billion in total revenue.

South Africa were reduced to 10 men, as Yaya Sithole received a straight red for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity:

Raul Jimenez then doubled Mexico's lead in the 67th minute with a powerful header:

South Africa's night went from bad to worse as they received a second red card, for Themba Zwane, following the VAR review:

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