Mexico City, Mexico: Co-hosts Mexico launched the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday night, but it was a chaotic flurry of red cards that stole the spotlight in a fiery Group A opener at the iconic Azteca Stadium.
Goals from Julián Quiñones and veteran striker Raúl Jiménez handed El Tri all three points in front of a packed home crowd as the tournament got underway in Mexico City.
The match also entered World Cup history as the first opening fixture ever to produce three red cards, with South Africa finishing the game with nine men and Mexico ending with ten.
Quiñones Scores First Goal of World Cup 2026
Mexico wasted little time asserting themselves.
The breakthrough arrived in the ninth minute after South African midfielder Sphephelo Sithole lost possession in a dangerous area. Erik Lira quickly capitalised and fed Quiñones, who rifled a powerful finish beyond goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to score the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The goal sent the Azteca crowd into celebration and gave the hosts the perfect start to a tournament they hope will produce their deepest World Cup run in decades.
South Africa’s Night Unravels
South Africa remained competitive during the first half but their hopes suffered a major setback shortly after the restart.
Sithole, already responsible for the turnover that led to Mexico’s opener, was shown the tournament’s first red card after a reckless challenge on Brian Gutiérrez in the 50th minute.
With a numerical advantage, Mexico increased the pressure and eventually doubled their lead in the 67th minute when Raúl Jiménez headed home at the far post to make it 2-0.
The experienced striker was visibly emotional after scoring, celebrating passionately with teammates and supporters.
South Africa’s frustrations boiled over late in the match when captain Themba Zwane was sent off for violent conduct in the 84th minute, reducing Bafana Bafana to nine men.
Mexico defender César Montes was also dismissed in stoppage time, bringing the total number of red cards to three.
Historic Night at Azteca
The match officially opened the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, a tournament that will feature a record 104 matches across Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Before kickoff, fans were treated to a colourful opening ceremony headlined by international music stars Shakira and Burna Boy, who performed the tournament’s official anthem.
The occasion also marked another milestone for the Azteca Stadium, which became the first venue in history to host three World Cup opening matches after previously staging the tournament openers in 1970 and 1986.
The result puts Mexico at the top of Group A after the opening round of matches and strengthens hopes that Javier Aguirre’s side can make a deep run on home soil.
Mexico’s next assignment is against South Korea next week in Guadalajara, while South Africa will seek to revive their campaign against Czechia.
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