Mexico 2, South Africa 0 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A Opening Match Estadio Azteca, Mexico City | June 11, 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup got off to an unforgettable start on Wednesday as Mexico kicked off the tournament on home soil, delivering a dominant and drama-filled 2-0 victory over South Africa at a rocking Estadio Azteca. Over 80,000 mostly Mexican fans packed the iconic stadium, creating an atmosphere that matched every bit of the occasion, and El Tri rose to the moment in spectacular fashion.

The match served as a rematch of the 2010 World Cup curtain-raiser, with the roles of host and visitor reversed this time around. And Mexico wasted no time making their presence felt.

The Goals

Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the ninth minute after South Africa cheaply conceded possession in their own defensive third. The Colombian-born winger, who has faced scrutiny since committing to Mexico, silenced any doubters with a clinical finish inside the Azteca to send the crowd into a frenzy. He could be a real breakout player for El Tri under manager Javier Aguirre throughout this tournament.

Quinones continued to cause chaos, hitting the post in the 42nd minute before helping set up chances early in the second half, but the second goal would come from a man who had waited a lifetime for it. Raul Jimenez headed home his first ever World Cup goal to make it 2-0, sparking wild and emotional celebrations around the stadium. At 35 years old, the veteran striker finally got his World Cup moment, and his manager Javier Aguirre called it a “perfect day” for him.

The Red Cards

If the goals were the story of the first half, the red cards owned the second. South Africa midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity as Brian Gutierrez broke free after a lobbed pass. Playing with 10 men, South Africa grew increasingly frustrated, and Themba Zwane was shown a red card in the 84th minute for unsporting behavior. Mexico were not entirely clean either, as Cesar Montes was dismissed in the 90th minute for serious foul play, leaving El Tri to see the match out with 10 men of their own.

For the first time in an opening World Cup match, three players were sent off, making it only the second time in tournament history that a single game featured three red cards, with South Africa ironically involved on both occasions.

The Bigger Picture

Mexico will head into the rest of Group A absolutely delighted, while South Africa will be without two key players for their next match. Mexico will also be without Montes at center back, which could prove costly as the competition heats up. But for now, El Tri have put the world on notice. They played with pace, intensity, and purpose, and the Azteca delivered the kind of opening night that reminds everyone exactly why this sport captivates billions of people around the globe.

The 2026 World Cup is here. And it is already delivering.