Mexico opens expanded World Cup with 2-0 victory over South Africa

Co-hosts Mexico commenced the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday. The match marked the official start of the first tournament to feature 48 teams, jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the competition in the ninth minute, followed by a second from Raul Jimenez in the 67th minute.

Quinones netted the tournament’s first goal by drilling a low shot through the legs of South Africa captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The strike capitalised on a defensive error by South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole, who was caught in possession while attempting to play out from the back. The goal was met with a deafening roar from the capacity crowd of 80,824, fulfilling pre-match warnings from South Africa coach Hugo Broos regarding the intimidating atmosphere at the venue.

The contest was significantly altered by disciplinary actions, with South Africa finishing with nine players. Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute after bundling over Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez when the latter was through on goal. Later, in the 84th minute, Themba Zwane was dismissed following a VAR review for flinging an arm into the face of Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado.

Mexico extended their lead in the second half through a counterattack that culminated in Jimenez nodding home a cross from Alvarado at the far post. The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward’s goal secured the result, providing a smooth start to Mexico’s campaign in Group A.

Despite the victory, Mexico also faced disciplinary challenges. Defender Cesar Montes received a red card in the 90th minute for a clumsy challenge on South Africa’s Khuliso Mudau on the edge of the penalty area. The Estadio Azteca, the only stadium to have hosted World Cup matches in 1970, 1986, and 2026, witnessed a match defined by both historic significance and contentious officiating.