Mexico opens 2026 World Cup with 2-0 victory over South Africa amid disciplinary turmoil
The opening match at the Estadio Azteca saw Julian Quinones and Jimenez score, while three red cards marred the proceedings between the former 2010 World Cup rivals.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup commenced on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with co-hosts Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0. The fixture marked the official start of the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by Mexico, the USA, and Canada. Julian Quinones scored the tournament’s opening goal, before Raul Jimenez secured the victory with a header in the second half.
Jimenez’s goal represented his first at a World Cup tournament and his 46th for the national team. The striker started the match under coach Javier Aguirre, a notable shift from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where he appeared only as a substitute. The victory provided a significant personal milestone for Jimenez, who has navigated severe professional and personal challenges in recent years.
The match was characterised by significant disciplinary issues, with three red cards issued during the contest. Two dismissals were handed to South African players, reducing them to nine men, while Mexico’s Cesar Montes received a red card in the final stages. The result followed a complex preparatory phase for the tournament, which included stadium renovations and security concerns regarding cartel violence and protests in Mexico.
Jimenez’s performance carried emotional weight following the death of his father, Raul Jimenez Vega, in March 2026. The striker also overcame a severe skull fracture and brain injury sustained in 2020 during a Premier League match against Arsenal. After missing nine months of play, Jimenez returned to Wolverhampton Wanderers as a free agent following their relegation from the Premier League.
Mexico’s next scheduled match is against South Korea on 18 June. The opening fixture served as a rematch of the teams’ 2010 World Cup encounter, with the atmosphere in Mexico City described as excited despite prior logistical hassles. The tournament launch featured performances by Shakira, underscoring the global significance of the event.
