MEXICO CITY, June 11, 2026 — Host nation Mexico began its FIFA World Cup 2026 journey on a winning note, defeating South Africa 2-0 before a packed crowd at the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Thursday.
The victory provided an ideal start for El Tri in the opening match of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, igniting celebrations among more than 80,000 passionate supporters who filled the iconic venue.
Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez secured all three points for Mexico in a fiercely contested Group A encounter that also saw three players sent off, making it one of the most dramatic opening matches in World Cup history.
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre acknowledged the immense pressure surrounding the team’s tournament opener but praised his players for rising to the occasion.
«”I tried to explain to the players what it means to play a World Cup opening match on home soil, but it was something they needed to experience themselves,” Aguirre said after the match. “Now they understand exactly what it feels like.”»
Aguirre, who represented Mexico during the country’s previous World Cup hosting in 1986, witnessed his side take control early in the contest. Quiñones opened the scoring in the ninth minute, sending the home crowd into jubilation and setting the tone for Mexico’s positive start.
Mexico continued to dominate proceedings and eventually doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Jiménez powered home a header for his first World Cup goal after appearing in three editions of the tournament.
The goal carried added significance for the veteran striker, who equaled Jared Borgetti’s tally of 46 international goals, placing him second on Mexico’s all-time scoring list. He now trails record scorer Javier “Chicharito” Hernández by six goals.
Jiménez’s remarkable comeback story remains one of football’s most inspiring narratives. The striker continues to wear protective headgear following a life-threatening skull fracture suffered while playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League in November 2020. The injury sidelined him for eight months before he made a successful return to action in 2021.
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Aguirre admitted Mexico could have produced an even more emphatic result.
«”We did not play our best football in the first half, but we still created enough chances to have been comfortably ahead,” he said. “We eased off somewhat after the break, but beginning the tournament with a victory is important. There is still room for improvement.”»
The result also marked a significant step forward for Mexico following the disappointment of their early exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they failed to advance beyond the group stage for the first time since 1978.
History offers additional encouragement for the hosts. Mexico’s only two appearances in the World Cup quarter-finals came when the nation hosted the tournament—in 1970 and 1986—and supporters are hopeful that home advantage can once again inspire a deep run.
South Africa’s challenge became increasingly difficult after disciplinary issues reduced the team to nine men. Midfielder Sphephelo Sithole and captain Themba Zwane were both shown red cards, while Mexico defender César Montes was dismissed during stoppage time.
The three red cards made history as the highest number ever issued in an opening World Cup match. It was also the most red cards shown in a World Cup fixture since Portugal’s infamous clash with the Netherlands at the 2006 tournament, which produced four dismissals.
Despite the defeat, South Africa head coach Hugo Broos remained optimistic about his team’s prospects.
«”The level of competition at the World Cup is much higher than what many players are accustomed to,” Broos said. “We faced a strong Mexican side and competed well. We must learn from this experience, improve quickly, and focus on the next match.”»
Quiñones, the Colombian-born forward who finished as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League this season, was among six Mexican starters making their World Cup debut.
The victory places Mexico at the top of Group A with three points. El Tri will face South Korea in Guadalajara next Thursday, while South Africa will attempt to recover against the Czech Republic in Atlanta.
Looking ahead, Aguirre emphasized that his team remains focused solely on the next challenge.
«”Winning the group would be valuable, but our attention is on South Korea,” he said. “We want to improve, perform better, and secure another victory. We will take the tournament one match at a time and see where it leads us.”»
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