Mexico City, 11 June 2026 – Co-hosts Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a comfortable 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of Group A at the Mexico City Stadium.
Goals from Julián Quiñones in the 9th minute and Raúl Jiménez in the 67th minute ensured Javier Aguirre’s side collected all three points to move to the top of Group A after the opening round of matches.
Mexico made their intentions clear from the opening whistle, dominating possession and creating early chances before Quiñones broke the deadlock. Erik Lira’s pass found the striker, who finished calmly to send the home crowd into celebration.
South Africa struggled to gain control of the game and their task became even more difficult after Sphephelo Sithole was sent off in the 50th minute, reducing Bafana Bafana to ten men.
Mexico capitalized on the numerical advantage midway through the second half when Roberto Alvarado set up Raúl Jiménez, who doubled the lead with a clinical finish in the 67th minute.
The match became increasingly heated in the closing stages. South Africa substitute Themba Zwane received a red card in the 84th minute following a VAR review, leaving the African side with just nine players. Mexico also finished the game with ten men after César Montes was shown a straight red card in stoppage time.
Match Statistics
Mexico dominated the contest with 61% possession compared to South Africa’s 39%. The hosts registered 16 shots, including five on target, while South Africa managed only three attempts, with two on target.
Mexico completed 538 passes at 91% accuracy, highlighting their control of the game, while South Africa completed 341 passes at 83% accuracy.
Both teams earned three corner kicks combined, with Mexico winning three and South Africa one. The match produced three red cards and three yellow cards, reflecting its physical nature.
Group A Standings
Following the opening round of fixtures:
- Mexico – 3 points (+2)
- South Korea – 3 points (+1)
- Czechia – 0 points (-1)
- South Africa – 0 points (-2)
Mexico’s victory gives the hosts an early advantage in the race for qualification to the knockout stage, while South Africa face an uphill battle heading into their second group match.
Final Score
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Goals
- Julián Quiñones (9′)
- Raúl Jiménez (67′)
Red Cards
- Sphephelo Sithole (South Africa, 50′)
- Themba Zwane (South Africa, 84′)
- César Montes (Mexico, 90+2′)
