Mexico Kick Off 2026 World Cup in Style, Defeating South Africa 2-0

In the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0.

In the first half, a mistake by South Africa's Sisole in the 9th minute led to a turnover, allowing Quiñones to score the opening goal and become the first goalscorer of the 2026 World Cup.

In the second half, Sisole pulled down Gutiérrez when he was through on goal in the 49th minute and received the tournament's first red card. In the 67th minute, Raúl Jiménez found the net from close range to double Mexico's lead.

Later in the match, South Africa's Zwane and Mexico's Montes were both sent off, bringing the total number of red cards in the game to three.

In the end, Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa on home soil and got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start.