Mexico City: Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez inspired a strong start for the host nation Mexico as they secured a 2–0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at a packed Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Played in front of 80,824 fans at the iconic venue, the tournament opener delivered goals in both halves and a dramatic disciplinary storyline, with three red cards shown during the contest.

Quiñones, the Saudi league’s top scorer, gave Mexico an early lead in the 9th minute, while Jiménez doubled the advantage in the 66th minute with a well-taken header, sealing control for El Tri.

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South Africa’s challenge unravelled in the second half as Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off, reducing them to nine men. Mexico also had a setback when defender César Montes was shown a red card in injury time following a late foul.

Jiménez’s strike marked his 46th international goal and his first in a World Cup in three editions, drawing him level with Jared Borgetti as Mexico’s second-highest scorer, behind Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.
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Quiñones, born in Colombia and one of six Mexico debutants in the starting XI, continued his strong club form onto the international stage in a memorable tournament opener.

Mexico, who exited in the group stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, begin their 2026 campaign with three points and will next face South Korea in Guadalajara.

South Africa will take on the Czech Republic in Atlanta in their next group fixture, as the expanded 48-team World Cup—jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States—got underway in dramatic fashion.