Mexico kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa
Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Azteca Stadium, with Julian Quinones and Raúl Jiménez firing them to a deserved victory in a game which also saw three red cards.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup got under way at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, with host nation Mexico facing South Africa in Group A. South Africa were appearing at their first World Cup since 2010, when they were hosts themselves.
Mexico came into the match in fine form, unbeaten in eight games, while South Africa had failed to win any of their five matches in 2026.
Quinones fires México ahead
Mexico took control from the first whistle, pressing high and dominating possession. In the 5th minute, Raúl Jiménez saw a shot from the edge of the box well saved by South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The opener arrived in the 9th minute when South Africa gave the ball away from their own goal-kick, Érik Lira won possession on the edge of the area, and Julian Quinones picked up the ball before slamming it low and hard past Williams to score the first goal of the 2026 World Cup.
México press for more before the break
Mexico continued to threaten throughout the first half. In the 42nd minute, Quinones struck the post with a low drive after a lay-off from Gutiérrez, and Williams produced a fine save to deny Jiménez from a dangerous in-swinging cross.
South Africa's best effort came from a long-range attempt by Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the 45th minute, which was comfortably gathered by Raúl Rangel. Mexico went into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead, having dominated the half with five shots on target to South Africa's none.
Sithole sees red as South Africa go down to ten
The second half began with South Africa again giving the ball away from a goal-kick, only for Álvaro Fidalgo's attempt to be blocked. The situation worsened dramatically for the visitors in the 50th minute, when Yaya Sithole brought down Gutiérrez as he bore down on goal, and referee Wilton Sampaio had no hesitation in showing a straight red card.
The resulting free-kick from Jiménez was blocked by the wall. South Africa coach Hugo Broos responded by bringing on Thalente Mbatha for Lyle Foster in the 56th minute, and Themba Zwane replaced Jayden Adams in the 61st minute.
Jiménez heads home to seal it
Mexico eventually found the elusive second goal when Roberto Alvarado's delicious in-swinging cross from the left found Jiménez at the back post, who headed home from close range to make it 2-0. It was Jiménez's first World Cup goal, and his 46th international goal, drawing level with Borghetti as México's second-highest scorer.
Zwane sent off as Montes also sees red
South Africa's misery deepened in the 84th minute when Zwane was dismissed after VAR review — referee Sampaio adjudged that he had struck César Montes in the face during a challenge, reducing the visitors to nine men.
In a dramatic finale, Montes himself was then shown a red card in the 90th+2 minute for hauling down Khuliso Mudau outside the area as South Africa broke on the counter. Three red cards in a World Cup opening match was a historic first. Mexico saw out the remaining minutes comfortably to claim a 2-0 victory and an ideal start to their home World Cup.
