The 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament began with a thrilling contest between co-host Mexico and African side South Africa in a repeat of the 2010 opening match.
Mexico sealed a 2-0 win courtesy of a Julian Quinones first half strike and another header from Raul Jimenez in the second half, to open their campaign with a victory and move top of group A ahead of South Korea’s clash against Czech Republic.
The African side were reduced to nine men after Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off, while Cesar Montes was dismissed for Mexico in stoppage time.
It also marked the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup that three red cards would be brandished in an opening game.
Quinones early goal gives Mexico first half lead
The host nations began on the front foot and Raul Jimenez had an early attempt saved by South African captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. However, they were soon ahead after a shocker from South Africa at the back.
Yaya Sithole took too many touches and lost the ball on the edge of the box to Lira, who then found Quinones who finished past Williams.
It marked the fastest goal in a World Cup opener since Philip Lahm’s goal after six minutes for Germany in the 2006 World Cup against Costa Rica.
Quinones narrowly missed target once again, before Jimenez was denied once more by Williams. Both Mexican attackers were running riot and Quinones could have doubled his tally but struck the base of the post with another effort as Mexico took a 1-0 lead into the break.
Flurry of red cards, Jimenez scores maiden World Cup goal
Mexico were off the blocks early again as Quinones continued to threaten and almost caught Williams off guard from long range, but the South African goalkeeper was quickly back to make the save.
However, their task became tougher when they were reduced to 10 men in the 50th minute. Sithole’s debut went from bad to worse as he received his marching orders for a last man foul on Gutierrez.
Mexico doubled their advantage in the 67th minute when Jimenez headed home his first-ever World Cup goal after a delicious cross from Alvarado.
South Africa were then reduced to nine men when Themba Zwane was sent off for violent conduct. The experienced midfielder struck the face of a Mexican player after a coming together and the VAR advised a review, which resulted in his sending off by the centre referee.
The hosts were then reduced to 10 after a red card of their own when Montes was sent off for bringing down Mudau outside the box.
The game ended 2-0 in favour of Mexico, who opened their campaign with a win in front of their home fans.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Mexico 60% – 40% South Africa
Total Shots: Mexico 16 – 3 South Africa
Shots on target: Mexico 4 – 2 South Africa
Pass Accuracy: Mexico 90% – 81% South Africa
Corners: Mexico 3 – 1 South Africa
What Next?
Mexico can now book their place in the next round with a win over South Korea on June 19. Meanwhile, South Africa will be looking for their first points when they face Czech Republic on match-day two.
