Mexico 2 – 0 South Africa

Mexico made light work of South Africa at Mexico City Stadium, claiming a comfortable 2-0 victory in a match that grew increasingly fractious as the final whistle approached.

The hosts drew first blood as early as the ninth minute, when Erik Lira threaded a sharp assist through for Julián Quiñones to finish and put Mexico firmly in control. South Africa struggled to respond and found their afternoon complicated further when Teboho Mokoena picked up a yellow card in the 17th minute, with Brian Gutiérrez also cautioned for Mexico six minutes later.

The second half turned decisively against the visitors when Sphephelo Sithole was shown a red card just four minutes after the restart, leaving South Africa to defend with ten men. Mexico capitalised on the numerical advantage in the 67th minute, Roberto Alvarado providing the assist for Raúl Jiménez to double the lead and effectively seal the three points.

The closing stages descended into chaos on the South Africa bench and pitch. A red card was issued to the visitors in the 82nd minute, followed swiftly by Themba Zwane's dismissal two minutes later — the substitute, who had entered in the 61st minute, ending his evening early. Mexico's César Montes also saw red in stoppage time, though the damage to his side's result was already done.

The 2-0 win moves the needle in the group standings, with updated standings now reflecting the outcome of this contest.