Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in a chaotic opening to the 2026 World Cup. The match made history as the first opener with three red cards—two for South Africa and one for Mexico. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored for the co-hosts at a raucous Estadio Azteca, putting Mexico in a strong position to advance from Group A while leaving South Africa's chances in doubt.
Mexico 2-0 victory
- ▪Raúl Jiménez scored Mexico's second goal with a header in the 67th minute from a Roberto Alvarado cross
- ▪Julián Quiñones scored the tournament's opening goal for Mexico nine minutes into the game
- ▪Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup opening match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City
- ▪Raúl Jiménez's goal came six years after he suffered a life-threatening fractured skull while playing for a previous club
Three red card dismissals
- ▪Mexico's César Montes received a red card in stoppage time for a last-man foul
- ▪Themba Zwane of South Africa was dismissed for violent conduct with six minutes remaining
- ▪South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole was sent off early in the second half for a foul on Brian Gutiérrez
- ▪Three players were sent off, the first time in World Cup history an opening match has had three red cards
Group A knockout chances
- ▪South Africa will be without suspended players Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane for their next match
- ▪Mexico's victory puts the team in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages from Group A
- ▪The defeat significantly reduces South Africa's chances of advancing from Group A
Vuvuzela return at stadiums
- ▪The vuvuzela, a horn famous from the 2010 World Cup, was reportedly used by some South Africa fans in fan zones
- ▪Despite their appearance in fan zones, vuvuzelas were not a feature inside the stadium during the opening match
Player post-match interviews
- ▪Mexico manager Javier Aguirre stated his team was "superior" but that the 2-0 score did not reflect their dominance
- ▪Hugo Broos disputed the red card for Themba Zwane, calling the decision "a little bit soft"
- ▪Goalscorer Julián Quiñones described scoring in a "spectacular stadium with amazing fans"
- ▪South Africa coach Hugo Broos acknowledged Mexico was "at a different level" but said his own side "played a good game"
Story comments
Loading comments…