Mexico made the perfect start to the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating South Africa 2-0 in the tournament’s opening match at Mexico City Stadium.

Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of the tournament in the ninth minute before Raúl Jiménez doubled Mexico’s advantage after the break. The Group A encounter also produced three red cards as both teams finished the match with fewer than 11 players.

Quiñones scores the first goal of World Cup 2026

Mexico made an energetic start in front of their home supporters and needed only nine minutes to open the scoring.

Julián Quiñones found the net to give the co-hosts an early 1-0 advantage and become the first goalscorer of the 2026 World Cup.

South Africa attempted to respond during the remainder of the first half, but Mexico protected their lead and entered half-time ahead by one goal.

The opening period also produced two yellow cards. South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena was booked in the 17th minute, while Mexico’s Brian Gutiérrez received a yellow card six minutes later.

South Africa reduced to ten players

South Africa’s challenge became considerably more difficult shortly after the restart.

Sphephelo Sithole was shown a red card in the 49th minute, leaving Bafana Bafana to play almost the entire second half with ten men.

Mexico took advantage of their numerical superiority in the 67th minute when Raúl Jiménez scored the second goal. The experienced striker’s finish gave the hosts greater control and placed them firmly on course for all three points.

Three red cards in a dramatic finish

The closing stages brought further disciplinary drama.

Themba Zwane became the second South African player to be dismissed when he received a red card in the 84th minute. South Africa were consequently reduced to nine players for the final minutes.

Mexico also finished the match with ten men after defender César Montes was sent off in the second minute of added time.

Despite the late dismissal, Mexico maintained their clean sheet and secured a 2-0 victory to begin their Group A campaign with three important points. The match timeline records red cards for Sithole, Zwane and Montes.

A historic opening victory for Mexico

The match officially launched the expanded 48-team World Cup, which is being hosted across Mexico, Canada and the United States. Mexico City Stadium was selected to stage the opening fixture between Mexico and South Africa.

Before the game, Mexico were still searching for their first victory in a World Cup tournament-opening match. Their 2-0 success ended that wait and provided the home nation with an ideal beginning to the competition.

South Africa, meanwhile, must quickly recover from a difficult evening that included two dismissals. Both teams will continue their Group A campaigns alongside Czechia and South Korea.

Mexico vs South Africa match summary

Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group A
Venue: Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City
Final score: Mexico 2-0 South Africa

Goals

• Julián Quiñones — 9′
• Raúl Jiménez — 67′

Red cards

• Sphephelo Sithole, South Africa — 49′
• Themba Zwane, South Africa — 84′
• César Montes, Mexico — 90+2′

Mexico leave the opening match with three points, two goals and a clean sheet, while South Africa will need a strong response in their next Group A fixture.