World Cup 2026: Mexico makes winning start against South Africa (2-0)

Africa Today at 17:06

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

11.06.26 FT World Cup

Mexico

2

:

South Africa

0

Mexico got off to the perfect start at the 2026 World Cup. Dominant from start to finish against a South African side reduced to nine men, El Tri cruised to a well-deserved win at the Azteca Stadium to take the lead in Group A.

The 2026 World Cup officially kicked off this Thursday at the legendary Azteca Stadium, with Mexico claiming a convincing victory over South Africa (2-0). Backed by a raucous home crowd, Javier Aguirre’s men quickly took control against Bafana Bafana, who struggled to keep pace throughout the match.

Read also: WC 2026 / Mexico 1 - 0 South Africa: El Tri leads at halftime

After an early warning shot from Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones netted the very first goal of the tournament in the 9th minute, capitalizing on a huge blunder from the South African defense. Despite several crucial saves from Ronwen Williams, who delivered an outstanding performance, South Africa suffered under relentless Mexican pressing. Lyle Foster was largely invisible, epitomizing his team’s offensive struggles.

The match turned definitively after Sphephelo Sithole was shown a straight red card in the 49th minute. With the numerical advantage, Mexico doubled their lead with a powerful header from Raúl Jiménez (66’), before Themba Zwane also left his teammates down to nine after a second straight red in the 83rd minute. The only blemish for El Tri: César Montes was sent off in stoppage time and will miss Mexico’s next match.

Related teams and leagues

Mexico

South Africa

World Cup