Mexico entered the 2026 World Cup in the best possible way by beating South Africa 2-0, this Thursday, June 11, at the Azteca Stadium. The game The inaugural match was intense and marked by three expulsions, which raised tension in the final stretch of the match.
In front of a packed stadium and driven by the support of the fans, the host team needed just a few minutes to open the scoring. Julián Quiñones took advantage of a defensive error by the South African team and scored the first goal of the World Cup in the ninth minute, putting Mexico ahead early.
South Africa tried to react, but revealed difficulties to stop the Mexican intensity and was rarely able to consistently threaten the opposing goal. The team led by Javier Aguirre maintained control of the match and consolidated its superiority in the second half.
In the 67th minute, Raúl Jiménez increased Mexico’s advantage, finishing an attacking move that left the hosts calmer and brought Mexico closer to a victorious debut in front of their fans. The meeting also ended up being marked by discipline. There were three red cards: Mexico’s César Montes was sent off, while South Africa’s Themba Zwane and Yaya (Sphephelo) Sithole also saw red, leaving Bafana Bafana down to nine players in the final minutes.
With this triumph, Mexico adds the first three points in Group A and starts the competition in the best possible way organized by Mexico, the United States and Canada. The games continue this Friday, June 12th.
