The 2026 FIFA World Cup began with drama, goals, and three red cards as co-host Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the tournament’s opening match at the legendary Estadio Azteca on Friday.
For decades, host nations have traditionally set the tone for the World Cup, but Mexico entered the tournament carrying an unusual statistic. Despite having participated in seven previous opening matches, either as sole hosts or co-hosts, El Tri had never won a World Cup opener. That changed emphatically in front of a packed and electric Azteca crowd as goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez secured a historic victory.
The home supporters barely had time to settle into their seats before Mexico seized control.
South Africa midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was dispossessed on the edge of his own penalty area by Erik Lira in the ninth minute, and the loose ball fell kindly to Quiñones. The striker made no mistake, driving a low shot through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to score the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and send the stadium into celebration.
Mexico continued to dictate the pace throughout the opening half. Quiñones nearly doubled the advantage in the 38th minute after being set up by Brian Gutiérrez, but his effort struck the base of the post with Williams beaten.
South Africa’s difficult afternoon worsened shortly after halftime when Sithole’s nightmare performance ended with a red card. The midfielder was dismissed for bringing down Gutiérrez just outside the penalty area, reducing Bafana Bafana to ten men and leaving them with an uphill battle against a confident Mexican side.
Despite the numerical advantage, Mexico had to remain patient before finding the decisive second goal.
In the 67th minute, Roberto Alvarado delivered a perfectly floated cross toward the far post, where veteran striker Raúl Jiménez rose above the defense and powered a close-range header into the net. The goal gave Mexico a deserved 2-0 cushion and effectively ended any hopes of a South African comeback.
The match’s intensity boiled over again in the closing stages. South African substitute Themba Zwane was shown a straight red card following a VAR review after appearing to strike Alvarado in the face during an off-the-ball altercation. The dismissal left South Africa with just nine men for the final minutes.
There was still time for one final twist. Deep into stoppage time, Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio produced a third red card, sending off Mexican defender César Montes for a late challenge on Khuliso Mudau. While the dismissal slightly dampened the celebrations, it could do little to overshadow a memorable opening day for the hosts.
Mexico’s victory places them at the top of Group A and provides the perfect launchpad for their World Cup campaign. More importantly, it ends a long-standing winless streak in World Cup opening matches and gives the co-host nation a dream start in front of one of football’s most passionate crowds.
As fireworks lit up the Mexico City sky and supporters celebrated long into the evening, the message from Estadio Azteca was clear: Mexico has arrived at its home World Cup with ambition, confidence, and momentum.
With the tournament officially underway and the hosts off to a winning start, the road to World Cup glory has begun in spectacular fashion.
