Mexico Opens 2026 World Cup With Comfortable Home Win

Mexico began the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at Estadio Azteca, which hosted a World Cup opener for the third time in history. Julian Quiñones scored in the 9th minute after Mexico dominated early, and veteran striker Raúl Jiménez added the second in the 67th minute. The win puts the host nation in a strong position to advance, as the top two teams in each group, plus eight third-place teams, move on.

The match turned further in Mexico’s favor in the second half. South Africa went down to 10 men in the 50th minute when Yaya Sithole was sent off, and later to 9 after Temba Zwane was dismissed in the 83rd minute following a VAR review. Mexico also finished with 10 men after captain César Montes received a red card in stoppage time. Before kickoff, a large opening ceremony featured Shakira, who made her fourth World Cup appearance, along with J Balvin, Mana, Alejandro Fernandez, Burna Boy and Tyla.