MEXICO CITY, June 12, 2026 — Co-host Mexico opened the FIFA World Cup 2026 in style, defeating South Africa 2-0 in a dramatic Group A encounter at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday night. Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez secured a memorable victory in front of a packed and passionate home crowd as the tournament officially got underway.
Mexico seized control early and rewarded their supporters with the tournament's first goal in the ninth minute. Quiñones capitalized on a defensive mistake by South Africa and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, sending the stadium into celebration. The hosts continued to dominate possession and created several additional chances throughout the opening half.
South Africa struggled to gain a foothold in the match as Mexico's aggressive pressing and attacking movement kept the African side pinned back. Williams produced several important saves to prevent the scoreline from widening before halftime, but Mexico remained firmly in control.
The contest took a decisive turn shortly after the restart when South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole was shown a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Reduced to ten men, South Africa found it increasingly difficult to contain Mexico's attacking pressure.
Mexico finally doubled its advantage in the 67th minute when veteran striker Raúl Jiménez headed home from a well-delivered cross. The goal carried special significance for the 35-year-old forward, marking his first-ever World Cup goal after appearances in four different tournaments. An emotional Jiménez celebrated with visible relief and joy as fans erupted around the stadium.
Discipline became a major storyline in the closing stages. South Africa was reduced to nine players after Themba Zwane received a red card for violent conduct in the 84th minute. Mexico also finished with ten men after César Montes was sent off during stoppage time, capping a physical and sometimes ill-tempered contest that produced three red cards.
The victory gives Mexico an ideal start in Group A and continues the festive atmosphere surrounding the opening day of the expanded 48-team tournament. More than 80,000 fans filled the historic stadium, which became the first venue in history to host matches in three different FIFA World Cups.
Mexico will next face the Republic of Korea in Guadalajara, while South Africa will look to recover when it takes on Czechia in its second group-stage fixture. With a confident performance and three valuable points secured, Mexico has announced itself as a team determined to make a deep run on home soil.