11 June 2026, Mexico City — The 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway at the iconic Estadio Azteca, with co-hosts Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 before a crowd of over 80,000, ending their long-standing opening-match hoodoo. The match featured three red cards, cementing its place as one of the most dramatic curtain-raisers in World Cup history.
Nine Minutes In, the Tournament’s First Goal
Just nine minutes into the contest, World Cup 2026 had its first goal. Mexico’s high press forced a costly error from South African defender Sphephelo Sithole, and Colombian-born winger Julián Quiñones capitalised with a composed finish from the edge of the box to make it 1-0.
The goal was particularly meaningful for Quiñones, who has faced sustained criticism since opting to represent Mexico at international level. On football’s grandest stage, he delivered the perfect riposte. He was duly named Player of the Match.
Veteran’s Dream Fulfilled
In the 67th minute, 35-year-old striker Raúl Jiménez met a cross with a firm header to double Mexico’s lead. It marked Jiménez’s first-ever World Cup goal — a moment four tournaments in the making — and the Estadio Azteca erupted.
Three Red Cards in a Chaotic Affair
If the two goals lit up the match, the three red cards defined its character.
- Early second half: South Africa’s Sithole was shown a straight red for a serious foul, reducing Bafana Bafana to ten men.
- 84th minute: South Africa’s misery was compounded as Themba Zwane received a second red, leaving the side with just nine players.
- Closing stages: Mexico captain César Montes was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Under FIFA regulations, Montes incurs an automatic one-match ban and will miss Mexico’s crucial clash with South Korea.
The Montes dismissal drew sharp criticism after the final whistle. Former Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng, on SBS’s post-match coverage, was unequivocal: “That’s not a red card. He’s going wide, not towards goal, and there are two other defenders in the middle. VAR should have stepped in to correct that.”
A Historic Breakthrough
This was Mexico’s eighth appearance in a World Cup opener. Their previous seven attempts had yielded two draws and five defeats — never a victory. From a 4-1 loss to France in 1930 to a 1-1 stalemate against South Africa in 2010, the opening fixture had been El Tri’s curse. This time, at the Azteca — the legendary stadium that has witnessed Pelé’s brilliance and Maradona’s “Hand of God” — Mexico finally rewrote the script.
Star-Studded Opening Ceremony
Ahead of kick-off, the Estadio Azteca staged a vibrant opening ceremony steeped in Mexican tradition. Shakira and Burna Boy performed the official World Cup 2026 anthem “Dai Dai,” alongside Tyla, Andrea Bocelli, DJ David Guetta, and Megan Thee Stallion. Mexico City was declared a public holiday, with the capital buzzing from dawn.
Match Stats
| Stat | Mexico | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 0 |
| Red Cards | 1 | 2 |
| Scorers | Quiñones (9′), Jiménez (67′) | — |
Group A Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| 2 | South Korea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Czechia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | South Africa | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
Upcoming Fixtures
- 12 June: South Korea vs Czechia (Group A)
- 18 June: South Africa vs Czechia (Group A)
- 19 June: Mexico vs South Korea (Group A, Guadalajara)
Sources: beIN Sports, SBS, Bellanaija, FIFA Official