Co-hosts Mexico beats South Africa in FIFA World Cup opener

Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca, aka Mexico City Stadium, in front of a passionate home crowd. 

The match, a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener which ended 1-1, saw the co-hosts dominate from the beginning. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a clinical low strike following a turnover, setting an early tone for El Tri and taking away the clean sheet from the opponents. 

Co-hosts Mexico beats South Africa 2-0 in FIFA World Cup opener; match was shown three Red cards

Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead in the 67th minute with a well-taken header from a stunning cross by Roberto Alvarado, powering his side to seal the deal with the three points. 

Meanwhile, the game was marred by disciplinary issues, with three red cards shown overall, bringing Mexico down to 10 players and South Africa to 9 on the pitch. South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute for a foul on Jiménez near the box. Themba Zwane received a red card later for violent conduct at the 80+ minute. 

Later, Mexico's César Montes was dismissed in the 90+2nd minute for a deliberate tactical foul. Despite the numerical disadvantages, South Africa struggled to create meaningful chances to bounce back from the two-goal deficit. Mexico controlled possession throughout, sending a strong message as tournament co-hosts. 

Meanwhile, the result gives Mexico an ideal start in Group A. South Africa face an uphill battle in their remaining fixtures against the likes of South Korea and Czechia. Mexico will next face Korea in the Group A encounter on June 19. 

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