Mexico Beat South Africa 2-0 in World Cup Opener

Co-hosts Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at a packed Estadio Azteca, as goals from Julian Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez secured three points in a Group A match overshadowed by three red cards.

Mexico

June 11

Full-Time

South Africa

J. Quiñones 9′ ⚽

R. Jiménez 67′ ⚽

C. Montes 92′ 🟥

🟥 49′ Y. Sithole

🟥 84′ T. Zwane

MEXICO CITY, Mexico — Co-hosts Mexico launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday, overcoming a spirited challenge from Bafana Bafana in an opening Group A encounter that produced goals, controversy and three red cards.

In front of more than 80,000 spectators at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico ended a long wait for a winning start at a World Cup they were hosting or co-hosting, delivering a performance that combined attacking intent with disciplined control for much of the contest.

The hosts made the perfect start when Julian Quiñones capitalised on a South African defensive mistake in the ninth minute, firing through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to score the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Quiñones nearly doubled his tally before half-time but saw a powerful effort strike the post.

South Africa remained competitive throughout the first half and sought to frustrate the home side with disciplined defending and quick transitions. However, the complexion of the match changed shortly after the interval.

Five minutes into the second half, South African midfielder Yaya Sithole was shown a straight red card after bringing down Mexico’s Brian Gutiérrez as he raced towards goal. The dismissal left Hugo Broos’ side with a difficult task against a Mexican team increasingly growing in confidence.

Mexico eventually made their numerical advantage count in the 67th minute.

Roberto Alvarado delivered a cross towards the far post where veteran striker Raúl Jiménez rose highest to head home Mexico’s second goal. The strike was particularly significant for the 35-year-old forward, marking his first goal at a FIFA World Cup finals tournament and prompting emotional celebrations from both the player and supporters.

The match became increasingly ill-tempered as tensions rose in the closing stages.

South Africa’s problems deepened when substitute Themba Zwane was sent off following a VAR review after appearing to strike Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado in the face during an off-the-ball incident. The dismissal reduced South Africa to nine men and effectively ended any realistic hopes of a comeback.

Mexico did not finish the match with a full complement of players either.

In stoppage time, captain César Montes received a red card after fouling Khuliso Mudau, ensuring the hosts ended the contest with 10 men.

According to match reports, the three dismissals made the game one of the most disciplinary-heavy opening fixtures in World Cup history, with South Africa becoming the first team at the tournament to finish a match with nine players.

Despite the defeat, South Africa coach Hugo Broos suggested after the match that his side still had opportunities to recover during the remainder of the group stage.

“We want to survive the group stages, and it’s still possible,” he was quoted as saying following the game.

For Mexico, the result provided an ideal start to a tournament carrying significant expectations. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd and under intense scrutiny as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, El Tri secured three valuable points and early momentum in Group A.

The victory also ended Mexico’s long-standing failure to win a World Cup opening match when hosting or co-hosting the competition, giving supporters additional reason to celebrate on the opening day of the expanded 48-team tournament.

As the tournament continues, Mexico will look to build on a promising start, while South Africa face increasing pressure to secure positive results in their remaining group fixtures if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

Why This Matters

Mexico secured the first victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Julian Quiñones scored the tournament’s opening goal.
Raúl Jiménez scored his first World Cup finals goal.
South Africa finished with nine men after two red cards.
The match highlighted both the excitement and discipline challenges of the opening day of the expanded 48-team tournament.