Mexico opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday, ending their long wait for a winning start thanks to goals from Julián Quiñones in the 9th minute and Raúl Jiménez in the 67th, before a chaotic finish brought three red cards.
At Estadio Banorte in Mexico City, El Tri settled quickly and took control early. Quiñones gave the hosts the perfect start in the 9th minute, finishing off a slick attacking move to put Mexico ahead and lift the tempo inside a packed stadium. That early goal shaped the first half, with Mexico dictating possession, circulating the ball with patience, and forcing South Africa to spend long stretches without it.
South Africa struggled to establish sustained pressure and rarely turned their limited possession into meaningful attacks. Mexico finished with 60.5 percent of the ball, 16 total shots and four efforts on target, while South Africa managed just three shots and two on target. The pattern of the match was clear: Mexico controlling territory, South Africa trying to remain compact and look for moments in transition.
The fixture shifted further in Mexico’s favor just after the restart when South Africa were reduced to 10 men in the 49th minute, with Sphephelo Sithole sent off. From there, Javier Aguirre’s side played with greater assurance, moving the ball from side to side and waiting for the opening that would give them breathing room.
That second goal arrived in the 67th minute, and it came from a familiar source. Jiménez rose to head home and double Mexico’s lead, rewarding another sustained spell of pressure. With a two-goal cushion and an extra man, Mexico looked comfortable, while South Africa’s task became far steeper.
The closing stages became increasingly ill-tempered. Nkosinathi Sibisi went into the book in the 74th minute, and South Africa’s frustrations deepened when substitute Themba Zwane was shown a red card in the 84th minute, leaving the visitors with nine men. Mexico also ended the night with 10 after César Montes was sent off in stoppage time at 90’+2′, a late blot on an otherwise controlled opening performance.
Key performers
Quiñones was central to Mexico’s fast start, with his 9th-minute goal giving El Tri the platform they wanted. Jiménez then provided the decisive second moment with his 67th-minute header, a classic centre-forward contribution at an important stage of the match. In midfield, Mexico’s control was reflected in their 13 shot assists, as they repeatedly worked openings against a South African side that could never fully reset after falling behind early.
NerdSports Stat: Mexico scored with their first goal attempt on target in the 9th minute and then limited South Africa to just three total shots across 90 minutes.
For South Africa, this was a difficult opening night. They stayed within touching distance at 1-0 for much of the contest, but the red card to Sithole at 49′ changed the tactical picture completely. Any hope of a late response faded once Jiménez made it 2-0, and the second dismissal only underlined a frustrating evening.
The result gives Mexico three valuable points to begin the group stage and immediate momentum in the table, while South Africa are left playing catch-up after the opening round of fixtures. Mexico will now look to build on a composed if occasionally scrappy win, while South Africa must quickly regroup ahead of their next fixture if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Julián Quiñones (9′) and Raúl Jiménez (67′) scored for Mexico.
Mexico 2 – 0 South Africa.
Mexico begin the group stage with three points and an early boost in the standings, while South Africa start with zero points and pressure in their next fixture.
Raúl Jiménez was the standout performer with his 67th-minute header that secured Mexico’s victory.
