Mexico vs South Africa World Cup 2026: El Tri open with 2-0 win as Quinones, Jimenez score

Mexico kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup in style with a 2-0 victory over South Africa yesterday at Mexico City Stadium, sending 80,824 fans home happy and topping Group A after Matchday 1.

Quinones Strikes First, Jimenez Seals It

El Tri wasted no time asserting dominance. Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the 9th minute after South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole lost possession trying to play out from the back. Quinones pounced and drilled a low shot through goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ legs to score the tournament’s first goal. The Azteca erupted.

Mexico doubled the lead in the 67th minute when veteran striker Raul Jimenez headed home from close range after a Roberto Alvarado cross. It was Jimenez’s first-ever World Cup goal in his fourth tournament appearance.

Three Red Cards Mar Chaotic Opener

The match turned chaotic after halftime. South Africa were reduced to 10 men in the 50th minute when Sithole received a straight red for bringing down Brian Gutierrez as the last man. Things got worse in the 84th minute as Themba Zwane saw red for violent conduct, leaving Bafana Bafana with nine players.

Mexico also finished with 10 men after defender Cesar Montes was sent off in injury time. Three red cards total — more than the entire 2022 World Cup group stage.

What It Means For Group A

The 2-0 win puts Mexico top of Group A ahead of South Korea, who beat Czechia 2-1 later that day. Coach Javier Aguirre said his team “left the nerves behind” but still had plenty to improve.

For South Africa, returning to the World Cup after a 16-year absence, the result was harsh. Coach Hugo Broos warned his team about the Azteca atmosphere, and they’ll need to regroup fast before facing Czechia in Atlanta on June 18.

Key Stats:

Mexico 2-0 South Africa. Goals: Quinones 9’, Jimenez 67’. Red cards: Sithole 50’, Zwane 84’, Montes 90+. Superior Player of the Match is Julián Quiñones

Next up: Mexico face South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18.

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Seth Yeboah

Seth Yeboah, affectionately called Nana Kwadwo Yeboah-Asiamah is a Ghanaian journalist and humanitarian whose work sits at the intersection of media, technology, and social welfare. He comes from Asante Asokore Akokoaso, located in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region. Known for his commitment to national development and community empowerment, Yeboah has carved out a unique path as both a truth-seeker in journalism and a digital architect in the IT sector.

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