Mexico kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup in style on Thursday, defeating South Africa 2-0 in the tournament’s opening match at a packed Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez ensured a winning start for the co-hosts in front of 80,824 fans who filled the iconic venue for the first match of the expanded World Cup.
Mexico wasted little time asserting themselves, with Quiñones opening the scoring in the ninth minute. The forward, who finished as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League this season, calmly found the net to hand El Tri an early advantage.
South Africa battled to get back into the contest but their task became increasingly difficult after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off, leaving the team with nine men on the pitch.
Jiménez sealed the victory in the 66th minute, rising highest to head home Mexico’s second goal and put the result beyond doubt.
The match ended on a tense note when Mexico defender César Montes received a red card during stoppage time, reducing the hosts to 10 men.
Jiménez’s strike was particularly significant as it marked his 46th international goal and his first across three World Cup appearances. The goal moved him level with Jared Borgetti as Mexico’s second-highest scorer of all time, leaving him six goals behind record holder Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.
The game also marked a special milestone for Quiñones, the Colombian-born forward who was among six Mexican starters making their FIFA World Cup debut.
With the victory, Mexico made a dream start to their home World Cup campaign and delighted supporters hoping for a memorable run in the tournament.
