Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa in Group A at Estadio Azteca, their third World Cup kickoff there after 1970 and 1986. Quiñones scored in the ninth minute off a defensive lapse, and Raúl Jiménez added his first-ever World Cup goal in the 67th, dedicating it skyward to his late father amid teammate celebrations.
Three red cards marred the match—South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena and Yaya Sithole, plus Mexico’s Brian Gutiérrez—leaving Bafana Bafana with nine men, yet they held firm without a comeback. Nigerians in Mexico City cheered the hosts in El Tri jerseys, declaring ‘We’re Nigerians, but today we are Mexicans,’ adding to the electric atmosphere.
🏆🇲🇽 Mexico beat South Africa on the World Cup opening game! 💥 pic.twitter.com/ipXSiMslcc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2026
