Co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Canada, Mexico made a perfect start to their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Julian Quiñones and Raul Jimenez scored for El Tri in a match marked by three second-half expulsions.
A successful debut for Mexico
Mexico didn't disappoint in their opening match. In front of their home crowd at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, El Tri defeated South Africa 2-0 on Thursday night in their 2026 World Cup opener. Expected to kick off their home tournament, Mexico quickly took control of the game. From the opening minutes, the Mexican players brought intensity, camped in the South African half, and imposed their rhythm on a struggling Bafana Bafana side. The reward came early. In the 9th minute, Julian Quiñones opened the scoring for Mexico. An ideal start for El Tri, spurred on by their fans and already settled into the match.
Quiñones launches El Tri
With this early goal, Mexico was able to control the match. South Africa, outmuscled in the duels and rarely threatening, failed to truly trouble the Mexican defense. El Tri retained possession, controlled the spaces, and prevented the South Africans from building long attacks. Despite their lead, the Mexicans remained focused, avoiding unnecessary risks. South Africa tried to respond, but couldn't find a way through in the final third. Mexico, more precise and incisive, maintained their lead until halftime.
Sithole expelled, South Africa falters
The game turned after the break. In the 49th minute, Yaya Sithole was sent off for South Africa for a foul as the last defender. Already involved in the build-up to the first goal, the Bafana Bafana player left his team with ten men while trailing. This dismissal significantly complicated South Africa's task. Playing with a numerical disadvantage, the South Africans retreated, leaving even more space for Mexico. El Tri took full advantage, extending their dominance. In the 67th minute, Raul Jimenez scored Mexico's second goal. This goal confirmed Mexico's superiority and ended any suspense in a match largely controlled by the host nation.
Three red cards in a tense end to the match
The end of the match was marked by intense disciplinary tension. After Yaya Sithole's expulsion in the 49th minute, South Africa finished the game with nine men following Themba Zwane's red card in the 84th minute. Reduced to two players less, Bafana Bafana had no way to mount a comeback. Mexico continued to manage their lead without taking any risks. In stoppage time, El Tri were also penalized. Cesar Montes received a red card in the 92nd minute, leaving Mexico to finish the match with ten men. The game thus ended with Mexico playing ten against nine, with three red cards in total. Despite this chaotic end, Mexico held onto their lead and secured a comfortable victory.
Mexico takes control
With this 2-0 victory, Mexico made a perfect start to their 2026 World Cup campaign. Playing in front of their home crowd, El Tri delivered, scoring early, controlling the match, and capitalizing on South African errors. South Africa, meanwhile, began their tournament with a tough defeat, compounded by two red cards and a second half spent with ten men. In Group A, Mexico temporarily takes the lead before the match between the Czech Republic and South Korea. For El Tri, it's an ideal start. For Bafana Bafana, the next round already looks fraught with pressure.
