Mexico kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup in style, defeating South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the tournament.
El Tri struck first in the ninth minute when Julián Quiñones capitalized on a South African mistake on the backline. Quiñones calmy slotted it between the keepers legs to make it 1-0.
South Africa struggled to create chances throughout the game as Mexico held them to just four shots .
Five minutes into the second half, things turned worse for South Africa as Sphephelo Sithole was sent off after he was issued a red card.
In the 67th minute, Raúl Jiménez doubled Mexico’s lead with a perfectly placed header to make it 2-0. The goal marked Jiménez’s first career World Cup goal.
South Africa’s frustrations continued in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane was dealt a red card, leaving the team with just nine players for the remainder of the match.
Mexico controlled the match from start to finish, maintaining 61% of the possession with 16 shots.
El Tri’s César Montes was given a red card in the late stages of the match. The three combined red cards are the most ever in an opening World Cup match.
With the win, Mexico picks up three-points in Group A and will face South Korea next Thursday.
South Africa will look to bounce back against Czechia on the same day in Atlanta.
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