Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup in style, defeating a nine-man South Africa side 2-0 in front of a packed and passionate crowd at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The opening match of the tournament delivered goals, red cards, and a memorable milestone.
Mexico wasted little time making their mark on the competition. Just nine minutes into the match, the hosts sent the home crowd into celebration when midfielder Erik Lira won possession with a strong challenge on South Africa’s Yaya Sithole. The loose ball fell kindly to Julian Quiñones, who drove a powerful shot through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to score the first goal of the 2026 World Cup.
Quiñones nearly doubled Mexico’s advantage before halftime. The forward connected with a first-time effort from 12 yards out, but his strike rebounded off the right post, leaving South Africa relieved to trail by just one goal at the break.
The match swung further in Mexico’s favor shortly after the restart. Five minutes into the second half, Sithole was shown a red card after bringing down Brian Gutierrez as he raced clear on goal, reducing South Africa to ten men.
Mexico capitalized on their numerical advantage, and veteran striker Raul Jimenez cemented the result. The 35-year-old scored his first-ever World Cup goal, powering a header into the net from a precise cross delivered by Roberto Alvarado to put Mexico 2-0 ahead.
For South Africa, their return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010 ended in frustration. Their evening deteriorated further when substitute Themba Zwane received a red card for striking Alvarado in the face, leaving them with just nine players on the pitch.
Mexico also finished the game with ten men after defender Cesar Montes was sent off late on for a foul on Khuliso Mudau. However, the hosts comfortably protected their two-goal lead through the closing stages.
The night also marked a significant moment for Mexican football. Seventeen-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora, the youngest player at this year’s tournament, made history by becoming the second-youngest player ever to appear in a FIFA World Cup. Only Brazilian legend Pele was younger when he made his World Cup debut at the age of 17 during the 1958 tournament.
