Mexico opens 2026 World Cup with 2-0 win over South Africa
Julian Quinones scored the tournament's first goal in the ninth minute, and Raul Jimenez added one after South Africa finished with nine men.
Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament opener at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Friday morning local time. Julian Quinones put Mexico ahead in the ninth minute after capitalizing on a mistake by Sphephelo Sithole as South Africa tried to play out from the back. Raul Jimenez doubled the lead with a header in the 66th minute. The match also featured three red cards. South Africa lost Sithole and Themba Zwane and finished with nine players, while Mexico defender Cesar Montes was sent off in stoppage time. The win gave Mexico its first three points in Group A. Mexico next faces Korea Selatan in Guadalajara, while South Africa meets Republik Ceko in Atlanta.