Agency, June 12: Co-hosts Mexico kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament’s opening match on Thursday night.
Playing in front of a packed crowd at Estadio Azteca, Mexico secured all three points thanks to goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez.
Mexico made a dream start, taking the lead in the ninth minute when Quiñones found the net after being set up by Erik Lira.
South Africa’s task became even more difficult shortly after the restart as Sfefelo Sithole was shown a straight red card in the 49th minute, reducing his side to 10 men.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 67th minute when Jiménez powered home a header from a cross delivered by Roberto Alvarado.
The match grew increasingly heated in the closing stages. South Africa were reduced to nine players in the 84th minute after Themba Zwane received a red card for striking Alvarado in the face.
Mexico also finished the match with 10 men after defender César Montes was sent off during stoppage time for bringing down an opponent outside the penalty area and denying a promising goalscoring opportunity.
Neither side managed to add to the scoreline in the remaining minutes, as Mexico sealed a 2-0 win to make a winning start to the tournament.
The victory puts Mexico top of Group A with three points, while South Africa begin their World Cup campaign empty-handed.
