Mexico Make Dream Start to Home World Cup with Victory Over South Africa

Co-hosts Mexico made a dream start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating returning South Africa 2-0 in a pulsating opening match played at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday evening.

The tournament curtain-raiser, a repeat of the opening fixture of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, produced plenty of drama, including three red cards in an eventful encounter.

Roared on by a passionate home crowd, Mexico took an early lead in the ninth minute when forward Julian Quiñones capitalised on a defensive mistake to fire a low shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

South Africa’s hopes of mounting a comeback suffered a major blow shortly after the restart when Sphephelo Sithole, who was partly at fault for the opening goal, received a straight red card in the 49th minute.

El Tri took full advantage of their numerical superiority, with veteran striker Raúl Jiménez doubling Mexico’s lead in the 69th minute to score his first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup finals tournament.

The drama continued late in the game as South Africa were reduced to nine men in the 84th minute when substitute Themba Zwane was sent off.

However, Mexico also finished the match with 10 players after defender César Montes received his marching orders in the closing stages.

The victory gives Mexico the perfect start to their home World Cup campaign, while South Africa face an uphill task in their quest to progress from the group stage.