2026 World Cup / Mexico 1 - 0 South Africa: El Tri leads at halftime

Africa Today at 15:59

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

11.06.26 FT World Cup

Mexico

2

:

South Africa

0

Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup in style. Thanks to an early goal from Julián Quiñones and relentless dominance, Javier Aguirre’s men head into the break on top against a South African side struggling to keep pace.

The 2026 World Cup officially got underway this Thursday at the legendary Azteca Stadium, with Mexico facing South Africa. Roared on by a passionate home crowd, El Tri quickly took control of the match and bossed the opening 45 minutes.

See also: 2026 World Cup / Mexico vs South Africa: official line-ups!

After a first warning shot from Raúl Jiménez in the 5th minute—denied by Ronwen Williams—Mexico broke the deadlock just four minutes later. Capitalizing on a glaring defensive error by the South Africans and some superb pressing from Erik Lira, Julián Quiñones netted the first goal of the 2026 World Cup, slotting the ball between the legs of the opposing keeper (9’).

Still, Bafana Bafana can thank Ronwen Williams, who made several crucial saves, including a spectacular stop to deny Jiménez in the 41st minute. The South African keeper was also rescued by his post right before halftime. Dominant in every area of the pitch, the Mexican side suffocated their opponents, while a quiet and erratic Lyle Foster epitomized South Africa’s attacking woes in the opening half.

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