Mexico opens 2026 World Cup with 2-0 win over South Africa after glittering Azteca ceremony
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, followed by a 2-0 victory for the co-hosts against South Africa in the tournament's first match.
Opening ceremony lights up Mexico City
The 23rd World Cup began before a crowd of about 88,000 at the legendary Azteca Stadium, which is now the first venue to host matches in three different tournaments. The opening ceremony blended Mexican folk art, with elaborate "Papel Picado" designs, and performances from global music stars. Shakira, alongside Burna Boy, performed the official tournament song "Dai Dai". Andrea Bocelli appeared in a duet with K-pop singer EJAE, while J Balvin arrived on stage in a car. Salma Hayek, the country's official World Cup ambassador, also took part. Other performers included the Mexican rock band Mana, Alejandro Fernández, Lila Downs, Belinda, and Los Angeles Azules. Fireworks and chants of "Mexico, Mexico" filled the stadium as the ceremony gave way to the opening match.
The ceremony was the first of three planned openings for the tournament co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A second ceremony is set for 12 June in Toronto, where Canada will face Bosnia, and a third will be staged at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium when the US plays Panama.
Mexico controls the opener
Mexico quickly asserted the favorite's role. In the 9th minute, Quiñones stole the ball high up the pitch and fired a powerful shot past South African goalkeeper Williams to make it 1-0. It was the fastest opening-match goal since 2006. Quiñones almost doubled the lead before halftime, striking the post in the closing moments of the first half.
- Quiñones scores for Mexico (1-0), earliest opening goal since 2006
- Quiñones hits the post, Mexico denied a second before halftime
- Sithole (South Africa) sent off; visitors down to 10 men
- Jiménez heads in Mexico's second goal (2-0)
- Zwane (South Africa) sent off; South Africa reduced to 9 men
- Montes (Mexico) sent off after VAR review
South Africa's task grew harder when Sithole was sent off in the 50th minute for bringing down Gutiérrez just outside the box as he was through on goal. Mexico struggled to capitalise initially, prompting whistles from the demanding home crowd. The second goal came in the 67th minute, when Alvarado's cross found Jiménez, who headed the ball in and then burst into tears after scoring at the national team's home stadium.
Red cards mar the closing stages
The referee's strict approach dominated the final phase. Zwane received a straight red card in the 84th minute for an off-the-ball hit, leaving South Africa with nine men. In the 92nd minute, Mexico's Montes was also sent off after a VAR review, a decision described by Greek outlets as exaggerated. The third red card had no bearing on the result as Mexico secured a 2-0 victory in front of their home supporters.
A tournament of record scale
The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams, 104 matches over 39 days, the largest format in the competition's history. Mexico's Group E also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic, whose match is scheduled for early 12 June.
