Mexico, co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, opened with a 2-0 win over South Africa, who were reduced to nine players.
Published June 11, 2026
Mexico ignited the World Cup party with a resounding 2-0 victory over nine-a-side South Africa as the biggest competition in global football kicked off at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of the tournament on Thursday, while veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second as the co-hosts’ quest for a Group A spot got off to a flying start.
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South Africa, on the other hand, had no intention of spoiling their opening day fiesta and finished the game with just nine men after Sphephelo Sihor and Themba Zwane were sent off.
Quinones took the lead in the ninth minute with a low shot past South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams, before the Mexican red, green and white smoke of pre-match fireworks had barely dissipated.
A deafening roar cascaded from the stands of the Azteca, the soccer cathedral that has been the only stadium to host matches in three different World Cups.
South African manager Hugo Bruce had warned his players to prepare for the intimidating atmosphere created by the 80,824-strong crowd packed into the impressive concrete arena.
However, the South African players appeared to be suffering from severe stage fright as the Mexican fans greeted each completed pass with a chorus of “Ole!”. In the first few minutes.
Cihor seemed particularly affected, as he was held in possession as he tried to play from the back for Quinonez’s opening goal.
Sithole’s miserable afternoon ended with him being sent off in the 49th minute after his goal was cleanly put through by Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez.
Mexico pushed the advantage home in the 67th minute, culminating in a brilliant counter-attack that saw Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jimenez score at the far post from Roberto Alvarado’s cross.
Things got even worse for South Africa. In the 84th minute, Zwane was sent off after a VAR review for throwing his arm at Alvarado’s face.
There was still time for second-half drama when Mexican defender Cesar Montes was shown a red card for a clumsy challenge on Criso Mudau on the edge of the penalty area.
