Mexico breaks host nation opening fixture streak with 2-0 win over South Africa
Co-hosts secure victory in opener, ending seven-match losing streak as South Africa finish with nine men
Mexico has ended a historical pattern of host nation defeats by securing a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The win at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City concluded a streak of seven previous failures for the host nation to claim victory on the tournament’s opening day.
Julian Quinones scored the tournament’s first goal in the ninth minute, providing an early boost for the co-hosts. Raul Jimenez doubled the lead in the 67th minute, sealing the result despite significant disruptions to the match flow.
The contest was marked by severe disciplinary issues, with South Africa finishing the match with nine players. Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off for the visiting side, while Mexico’s Cesar Montes also received a red card. The high number of dismissals contributed to what reports have described as record disciplinary sanctions for the opening fixture.
The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, features a fundamentally altered qualification architecture compared to previous editions. The opening ceremony, which featured a performance by Shakira, set the stage for the event before the match commenced.
Wild celebrations were reported across Mexico following the win. Attention now shifts to the next phase of the tournament, with England scheduled to begin its campaign on Wednesday against Croatia in Arlington, Texas. England has not won the World Cup since 1966 and will look to build on squad cohesion as the competition progresses.
