Mexico defeats South Africa 2-0 in World Cup 2026 opener

Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2‑0 victory over South Africa on 11 June at the newly named Estadio Ciudad de México (formerly the Azteca). Julián Quiñones, a Colombian‑born naturalised Mexican forward, scored the tournament’s first goal in the ninth minute, and Raúl Jiménez added a second with a header in the 67th minute.

South Africa received two red cards – Yaya Sithole in the first half and Themba Zwane after a VAR review in stoppage time – while Mexico’s defender César Montes was sent off in added time. The win gave Mexico three points in Group A and marked the nation’s first ever opening‑match victory at a World Cup, breaking a long‑standing curse. It was also the first time a country has hosted opening matches for three different World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026). Young midfielder Gilberto Mora, aged 17, became the sixth youngest player ever to appear in a World Cup match.

The match was notable for local representation, with two players from Jalisco – goalkeeper Raúl “Tala” Rangel and midfielder Luis Chávez – featuring for the first time in a World Cup final squad. The result fuels optimism for the host nation’s campaign as they prepare for their next group game against South Korea.