Azteca erupts! Mexico kick off World Cup 2026 with commanding win over South Africa

Mexico began its 2026 World Cup campaign with a composed 2-0 victory over South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, using goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez to take control of the opening match of the tournament.

The co-hosts scored once in each half and capitalised on a game that turned increasingly difficult for South Africa after a pair of red cards left them with nine men.

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The hosts land a swift first blow

Quiñones struck in the ninth minute after South Africa midfielder Sphephelo Sithole’s defensive error allowed Erik Lira to recover possession and set up the forward.

Jiménez added the second in the 67th minute with a header at the far post after a counterattack built through Roberto Alvarado.

The result gave Mexico a strong start in Group A, while South Africa’s hopes faded further after Sithole was sent off early in the second half and Themba Zwane was dismissed for violent conduct in the 84th minute.

Mexico defender César Montes was also shown a red card in stoppage time.

South Africa lose their footing

The opener came in front of a capacity crowd of 80,824 at the iconic Azteca Stadium, with Mexico starting the largest World Cup in history on home soil alongside Canada and the United States.

Jiménez’s goal was his 46th for Mexico, tying him with Jared Borgetti for second place on the national team’s all-time scoring list and leaving him six behind Javier Hernández. Quiñones, born in Colombia, was one of six starters making their World Cup debut for Mexico.

The curtain rises in festive fashion

The match was preceded by an opening ceremony at the same venue, where the tournament’s start was marked with performances, fireworks and celebrations that included Shakira and Burna Boy performing the 2026 World Cup anthem.

The opening ceremony began at 1:30pm ET at Estadio Azteca. The ceremony was part of a three-city launch for the tournament, with additional events planned in Toronto and Los Angeles.

The capital was still dealing with protests and social unrest in the buildup to the event.

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A tidy start to Group A

After the final whistle, Mexico moved to three points in Group A and will next face South Korea in Guadalajara.

South Africa will meet the Czech Republic in Atlanta in its next group match.

For Mexico, the result offered a clean start to a campaign that opened under the glare of history, expectation and a full house at one of football’s most storied stadiums.

FAQs

Q1: Who scored for Mexico in the 2026 World Cup opener against South Africa?

Ans: Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored as Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa.

Q2: Where was the Mexico vs South Africa 2026 World Cup opening match played?

Ans: The match was played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City before a capacity crowd of 80,824 spectators.