Mexico defeats South Africa 2-0 in opening match of 2026 World Cup
Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa in Mexico City, with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raul Jiménez, while South Africa played most of the second half with nine men after a red card.
Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament's opening match at Mexico City Stadium. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the 9th minute, and Raul Jiménez added a second goal in the 67th minute.
South Africa was reduced to nine players after defender Themba Zwane received a red card for a handball on the face of Mexican defender Luis Alvarado in the second half. The team finished the match with ten men after a prior dismissal of Sithole earlier in the game.
Mexico made two substitutions at the 65-minute mark, bringing on Mora and Chavez, while South Africa replaced Lyle Foster with Thalente Mbatha and later swapped Adams for Zwane. Jiménez was substituted in the 76th minute after scoring his first World Cup goal, with Armando González coming on.
The match saw several notable chances, including a header by Jiménez that struck the post and a one-handed save by South African goalkeeper Williams. Both sides finished the first half with Mexico leading 1-0 and maintained the advantage after the break.
