MEXICO CITY — The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway. Amid an electric atmosphere at the iconic Estadio Azteca, co-hosts Mexico started the largest World Cup tournament in history with a commanding 2-0 victory over South Africa in the Group A opener.
While the pre-match festivities featured a spectacular opening ceremony and a performance by global superstar Shakira singing the official anthem “Dai Dai”, the match itself quickly turned into a feisty, physical, and historic battle that saw three red cards shown for the first time in a World Cup opening game.
Quiñones and Jiménez Ignite Estadio Azteca
El Tri wasted no time asserting their dominance in front of over 80,000 passionate fans. In the 9th minute, South Africa attempted to play out from a goal kick, but midfielder Érik Lira brilliantly intercepted a careless pass from Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole. The ball fell to Saudi-based forward Julián Quiñones, who calmly slotted a low, hard shot through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to score the first official goal of the 2026 World Cup.
South Africa’s night went from bad to worse just after halftime. In the 50th minute, Sithole’s miserable afternoon was cut short when he committed a professional foul on the edge of the box to stop a dangerous Mexican attack, receiving a straight red card from Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio.
Mexico immediately capitalized on their numerical advantage. In the 67th minute, Roberto Alvarado whipped a delicious, curling cross toward the back post, where Raúl Jiménez soared to head it home, making it 2-0.
It was a profoundly emotional milestone for the 35-year-old striker. Not only was it his first-ever World Cup goal in his fourth tournament appearance, but it marked an incredible comeback after a near career-ending head injury in 2020. Jiménez burst into tears on the pitch, dedicating the historic goal to his father, who passed away earlier this year.
“I am happy and excited to score my first World Cup goal in such a spectacular stadium. We felt the support of the nation today,” an emotional Jiménez stated post-match.
A Historic Red Card Climax
The final minutes of the encounter dissolved into disciplinary chaos:
- 84th Minute: South Africa substitute Themba Zwane was sent off with a straight red card following a VAR review after hitting Mexico’s César Montes in the face during a challenge, leaving Bafana Bafana with 9 men.
- 92nd Minute: In a dramatic stoppage-time twist, Mexico’s César Montes was also shown a straight red card for a tactical challenge outside the box, halting a dangerous counter-attack from Khuliso Mudau.
Despite finishing the game with 10 men against South Africa’s 9, Javier Aguirre’s squad safely managed the remaining minutes to secure their first three points of the tournament.
With this victory, Mexico takes a massive first step toward the knockout rounds, leaving the passionate crowd in Mexico City celebrating a perfect start to their home World Cup campaign.
Source: FIFA Media / Olympics Sports / EchoPress Football World
