Mexico's Key Defender Montes Sent Off in Opener: A Boost for Team Hong Myung-bo

Mexico, a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a projected rival for the top spot in the group against Hong Myung-bo's squad, has mixed feelings despite a comfortable victory in its opening match, as key defender Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow) was sent off.

Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in their Group A opening match held at Mexico City Stadium today (June 12), thanks to consecutive goals from Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah) and Raul Jimenez (Wolverhampton).

As a co-host of the tournament alongside the United States and Canada, Mexico kicked off its home World Cup by securing three points in the tournament's very first match, taking the lead in Group A.

However, the match left a bitter aftertaste for the Mexican side.

Montes, who started as a central defender, received a straight red card during second-half stoppage time after committing a reckless foul that brought down South African player Khuliso Mudau.

It was a moment that poured cold water on the Mexican national team, which was on the verge of a perfect victory in front of its home fans, especially after South Africa had already effectively self-destructed with two players sent off.

Standing at 195 cm, the tall center-back Montes has experience playing in Spain's La Liga.

He is regarded as a player with a knack for passing, in addition to providing stable defense based on his height.

Having played nearly 70 international matches for Mexico since 2017, he is sometimes considered an even more important player for the current national team than star striker Raul Jimenez (Wolverhampton).

Mexican media previously reported, "While he may not be well-known in South Korea as he does not play in a major European league, he is considered the true ace of the team in Mexico, even more so than Jimenez. For South Korea, he is a player who must be guarded against," adding, "He will be the player who determines the outcome of matches and the success of the tournament."

Montes, who also serves as the vice-captain of the Mexican national team, started the match against South Africa as the anchor of the back four alongside Johan Vasquez (Genoa), wearing the captain's armband in place of 'captain' Edson Alvarez (Fenerbahce), who started on the bench.

Even after passing the captain's armband to Alvarez, who was substituted in during the second half, Montes continued to play on the pitch and was on the verge of completing the full match. However, due to one critical mistake, he will be unable to play in the remaining group matches, including the second match against South Korea, which will be held at Guadalajara Stadium on the 19th.

For Team Hong Myung-bo, which is set to play its own Group A opening match against the Czech Republic later today, the absence of Mexico's strongest "shield" in their upcoming clash against their toughest group opponent serves as a favorable development as they prepare for the second match.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.