Mexico Opens 2026 World Cup With 2-0 Win Over South Africa
Mexico started the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday night at a packed Estadio Azteca, in the tournament’s opening match. Julián Quiñones scored in the 9th minute after a costly South African defensive error, and Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead in the 67th minute from a fine assist by Roberto Alvarado.
The game also featured three straight red cards. South Africa’s Sphesihle Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off, and Mexico’s César Montes was dismissed late for a reckless foul. Mexico controlled the match throughout and could have won by more, finishing with 16 shots compared with South Africa’s three, while goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made two big saves to deny Jiménez.
After 90 minutes of the World Cup’s first day, Mexico gave its home crowd a comfortable win to launch Group play, while South Africa will need results elsewhere to stay in contention after the double red-card setback.
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