Mexico secured a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Goals were scored by Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The match took place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The Group A first-round fixture kicked off on June 12 at 00:00 local time. Three red cards were shown during the game: Sithole (South Africa, 49th minute), Zwane (South Africa, 84th minute), and Montes (Mexico, 90+2nd minute).
The game started with Mexico dominating possession. In the 5th minute, Jiménez could have opened the scoring, but South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saved his shot.
Four minutes later, Javier Aguirre's team took the lead. South Africans attempted to play out from the back, but high pressing from Érick Lira forced an error. Quiñones intercepted the pass and fired a powerful shot through Williams's legs. Thus, Quiñones became the first goalscorer of the 2026 World Cup.
Near the end of the first half, Quiñones could have scored a brace, but his shot hit the post.
The second half started badly for South Africa. Sfiso Sithole fouled Bryan Gutiérrez near the edge of the box as he was running one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Referee Wilton Sampaio showed a straight red card, leaving Hugo Broos's team with ten men.
In the 67th minute, Mexico doubled their lead. Roberto Alvarado delivered a precise cross into the box, and Jiménez won the aerial duel, heading the ball into the net.
In the 84th minute, South Africa were reduced to nine men. After a VAR review, Themba Zwane received a straight red card for swinging his arm at Alvarado.
In stoppage time, the referee showed the third red card of the match. Mexican defender César Montes was sent off for a foul on Khuliso Mudau.
In the second Group A match, South Korea will face the Czech Republic. The match will take place on June 12 at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. Kick-off is scheduled for 07:00 Astana time.