World Cup 2026: Mexico open tournament with 2-0 victory over South Africa after heated contest

Mexico made a winning start to the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday night, defeating South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the tournament.

The hosts started brightly and almost broke the deadlock in the 5th minute from a corner kick. Raul Jimenez met a first-time effort towards the bottom corner, but South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced a brilliant diving save to keep the scores level.

Mexico’s pressure eventually paid off in the 9th minute when Julian Quinones capitalised on a defensive mistake at the edge of the box and fired home to give the hosts a deserved lead.

Jimenez and Quinones both came close again before halftime, with Mexico continuing to dominate attacking situations.

The game turned further against South Africa in the 49th minute when Yaya Sithole was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle, leaving the visitors with a numerical disadvantage for most of the second half.

Mexico made their dominance count in the 67th minute when Raul Jimenez rose well to meet a lofted cross from Roberto Alvarado, guiding a header into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

South Africa’s night worsened further in the 84th minute when VAR intervention led to a second red card, with Themba Zwane sent off by the referee.

With two goals and a numerical advantage, Mexico comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to secure all three points and a perfect start to their World Cup campaign.