Mexico launched their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2–0 victory over South Africa in a turbulent opening match at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
The co-hosts got off to a winning start in Group A thanks to an early strike from Julián Quiñones and a second-half header by veteran striker Raúl Jiménez, but the match was marred by ill-discipline and three red cards that left South Africa reduced to nine men, and Mexico 10 men
Quiñones wrote his name into the tournament history books with the opener on nine minutes, drilling a low shot through the legs of South Africa captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The stadium erupted - the Azteca, a World Cup icon and the only venue to have hosted matches at three different tournaments, provided a raucous home advantage for the capacity crowd of 80,824.
South Africa had been warned by coach Hugo Broos to expect a daunting atmosphere, but the visitors looked unsettled early on as Mexico’s fans cheered every completed pass.
Sphephelo Sithole’s poor clearance under pressure directly contributed to the first goal, and he later received a straight red on 49 minutes for bringing down Brian Gutiérrez as the Mexican midfielder broke through on goal.
Mexico extended their lead in the 67th minute with a swift counterattack. Roberto Alvarado’s cross found Jiménez, who nodded in at the far post to make it 2–0.
South Africa’s afternoon worsened in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane was sent off following a VAR review that judged him to have struck Alvarado in the face with an arm.
Late drama followed when Mexican defender César Montes was shown a red card for a heavy challenge on Khuliso Mudau near the penalty area, leaving the hosts a man down as the match closed out.
Despite the chaos, Mexico held on for a win that provides a solid start to their tournament, while South Africa must regroup after a game defined as much by controversy as by skill.
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