Co-hosts Mexico opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in impressive fashion with a 2-0 win over South Africa in the tournament’s opening match at the Azteca Stadium.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Mexico dominated proceedings from the start, controlling possession and creating the better chances as they secured all three points.The first goal of the tournament arrived in the 9th minute when South Africa’s defence failed to clear a loose pass. Julián Quiñones seized the opportunity, raced into the penalty area and calmly slotted the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to give Mexico an early lead.South Africa’s task became even more difficult shortly after halftime when Sithole was shown a red card in the 49th minute for bringing down Gutiérrez as he was through on goal, denying a clear scoring opportunity.
Mexico took full advantage of their numerical superiority in the 67th minute. Raúl Jiménez rose highest to power a header past the goalkeeper, sending the Azteca Stadium into celebration and doubling the hosts’ lead.The visitors’ hopes of a comeback were effectively ended in the 83rd minute when Themba Zwane received a straight red card for striking Roberto Alvarado in the face, reducing South Africa to nine men.
Mexico also finished the match with 10 players after César Montes was sent off in stoppage time for fouling Khuliso Mudau on the edge of the penalty area and denying a potential goalscoring opportunity.The victory temporarily sends Mexico to the top of Group A as they begin their quest for World Cup glory on home soil.
For South Africa, the defeat leaves them bottom of the group and under pressure to secure a positive result in their next fixture to keep their qualification hopes alive.
