At a packed Azteca Stadium, Mexico kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa. Three players sent off made the game fierce. Mexico ended up with ten players, whereas South Africa ended up with nine.
Brazilian official Wilton Sampaio produced three cards as he dismissed South Africa’s Yaya Sithole for stopping a clear goal opportunity and Themba Zwane for slapping, then sent off Mexico’s Cesar Montes for a late foul.
Fans of Mexico were delighted as they scored the first goal only nine minutes in. Julian Quinones shot the ball forcefully across Ronwen Williams’ legs after Erik Lira tackled Sithole.
Before halftime, Quinones nearly scored again, but his shot struck the right post. When Sithole brought down Brian Gutierrez early in the second half for a red card, things got better for Mexico.
At age 35, striker Raul Jimenez headed in Roberto Alvarado’s cross for his first World Cup goal, sealing the victory. This poignant scene moved the veteran to tears.
For the first time since hosting in 2010, South Africa was in the finals but ended the game with nine men after replacement Zwane was dismissed for hitting Alvarado.
Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora, the tournament’s youngest player, was introduced in the second half. Mexico’s Montes fouled Khuliso Mudau late in the game, but they held their two-goal lead.
Mexico is hosting the World Cup for the third time, and they got off to a fantastic start despite the late red card. The Azteca Stadium in Mexico City hosted the first game, just like it did in 1970 and 1986.
Fans loved a spirited opening event featuring Colombian singer Shakira before the game started. Ranked 14th globally, Mexico took charge against South Africa, which is ranked 46 ranks lower.
Following South Africa’s early error that resulted in a goal for Mexico, Sithole’s red card further diminished their prospects of winning. Returning to Wolves next season, Jimenez nearly scored early on, but Williams made an excellent one-handed save.
At last, he scored with a strong header in the second half, demonstrating how much this goal meant to him as he celebrated with his colleagues.
Mexico are now unbeaten in their last seven World Cup curtain-raisers, winning six. They beat the Republic 3-1 at the 1998 World Cup in France, Croatia 1-0 at Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan, and IR Iran 3-1 at the 2006 World Cup before a 1-1 draw with hosts South Africa in 2010.
Mexico returned to the victory column with a 1-0 defeat of Cameroon at Brazil 2014 and Germany. A goalless draw with Poland followed at Qatar 2022 and a 2-0 win over South Africa in 2026 USA, Canada and Mexico.
