Mexico launched the 2026 FIFA World Cup in winning fashion, defeating South Africa 2-0 in the tournament’s opening match at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
A packed stadium witnessed a memorable start to the biggest World Cup in history as Julián Quiñones gave the hosts an early advantage in the ninth minute. The forward capitalised on a South African defensive mistake and calmly finished to score the first goal of the tournament.
Mexico controlled much of the first half and carried their 1-0 lead into the break, marking the first time in their history that El Tri had led a FIFA World Cup opening match.
South Africa’s hopes of a comeback suffered a major blow shortly after halftime when midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was shown a red card in the 49th minute. Reduced to ten men, Bafana Bafana struggled to contain Mexico’s attacking pressure.
The hosts eventually doubled their advantage in the 67th minute when veteran striker Raúl Jiménez headed home to score his first FIFA World Cup goal and put Mexico firmly in control.
The match became increasingly heated during the closing stages. South Africa were reduced to nine players after Themba Zwane received a red card in the 84th minute for violent conduct. Mexico also finished the game with ten men after defender César Montes was dismissed in stoppage time.
The three red cards transformed what had been a controlled Mexican performance into one of the most disciplinary-heavy opening matches in World Cup history.
Mexico’s victory places them at the top of Group A and provides the perfect start to their home campaign as they seek to make a deep run in front of their supporters. South Africa, meanwhile, face an immediate challenge to revive their tournament hopes after a difficult opening-night defeat.
Goals:
• Julián Quiñones 9′
• Raúl Jiménez 67′
Red Cards:
• Sphephelo Sithole (South Africa) 49′
• Themba Zwane (South Africa) 84′
• César Montes (Mexico) 90+1′
Final Score: Mexico 2-0 South Africa
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