Mexico opens home World Cup with 2-0 win over South Africa as three red cards mar Azteca opener
Julián Quiñones notched the first goal of the tournament and Raúl Jiménez added an emotional second as hosts Mexico dominated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a contest marked by three expulsions at the Estadio Azteca.
Convincing start for the co-hosts
Mexico began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a resounding 2-0 victory over South Africa in front of more than 80,000 fans at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The match was a rematch of the 2010 opener, which ended 1-1 in Johannesburg, but this edition tilted heavily toward the North American side from the opening minutes.
Julián Quiñones capitalized on a defensive mistake by Sphephelo Sithole in the ninth minute, slotting the ball through goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ legs to become the first Mexican ever to score the opening goal of a World Cup tournament. Raúl Jiménez secured the points midway through the second half, powering in a header from Roberto Alvarado’s cross.
- Julián Quiñones opens scoring for Mexico (9th minute)
- Sphephelo Sithole of South Africa receives red card (49th minute)
- Raúl Jiménez heads in Mexico’s second goal (67th minute)
- Themba Zwane and César Montes are sent off in tense final stages
Jiménez’s emotional second act
Jiménez’s goal carried a weight far beyond the scoreline. The 35-year-old striker nearly died in 2020 after a skull fracture suffered in a collision with David Luiz, and doctors later told him his survival was a miracle. After the match, he dedicated the moment to his father, who passed away in March 2026.
He pointed to the sky in celebration, visibly emotional as teammates and staff embraced him.It’s an enormous pride to score in a World Cup for my country, especially at a moment when we know what this tournament means for all Mexicans.
Discipline boils over
What began as a one-sided football match descended into a disciplinary headache. Sithole was shown a straight red card in the 49th minute, and South Africa later lost Themba Zwane to a second sending-off. Mexico’s César Montes also received his marching orders late on, leaving the Bafana Bafana with nine men and the hosts with ten in the closing stages.
Statistical chokehold
Mexico’s control was clear from the data. During the first half, both Jiménez and midfielder Brian Gutiérrez recorded three touches inside the South African penalty area, while the entire South Africa side managed only two. Head coach Javier Aguirre said afterward that the team was determined to show they were serious hosts.
We knew we had to start strong and show the world we are hosts to be taken seriously.
- Raúl Jiménez
- 3
- Brian Gutiérrez
- 3
- South Africa (team)
- 2
What’s next
Mexico lead Group A with three points, ahead of upcoming matches against South Korea and Czech Republic. The tournament, shared with the United States and Canada, continues on 12 June with further group-stage fixtures.
