Mexico Triumphs Over South Africa in FIFA World Cup Opener at Estadio Azteca

In an exhilarating start to their FIFA World Cup campaign, Mexico triumphed over South Africa with a 2-0 victory at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez were the stars of the match, contributing to Mexico's impressive record against African teams. The match was intense, featuring three red cards and showcasing Mexico's home advantage. With this win, Mexico continues its undefeated streak at the Azteca, setting a thrilling tone for their World Cup journey. Discover the highlights and key moments from this unforgettable match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 03:36 IST

Mexico's Strong Start in World Cup

Mexico City [Mexico], June 12: In an electrifying opening match of their FIFA World Cup journey, Mexico secured a 2-0 victory against South Africa at the legendary Estadio Azteca, captivating a vibrant home crowd on Friday.

The match was marked by high tension, featuring three red cards. This victory extends Mexico's impressive streak to 22 consecutive wins against African teams, with their last defeat to South Africa occurring during the 2005 Gold Cup. Notably, this match also marked the 20th World Cup event held at the iconic Azteca, the highest number for any stadium in the tournament's history, according to ESPN. Mexico remains unbeaten at this venue.

Both teams exhibited nerves at the start, with every South African player making their World Cup debut. South Africa appeared confident, although goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made some risky passes. In the fifth minute, Raul Jimenez had a chance for Mexico, but Williams made a crucial save.

Julian Quinones opened the scoring for Mexico in the ninth minute, delivering the tournament's first goal. After a pass from Williams, Sithole lost the ball to Erik Lira, allowing Quinones to strike it past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box. This goal marked the earliest in World Cup history since Philipp Lahm's goal for Germany in 2006 against Costa Rica, as reported by Sky Sports.

In the 20th minute, Quinones attempted another shot from 25 yards but failed to convert. Brian Gutierrez had a chance in the 30th minute, but his effort was blocked, and Williams made another save five minutes later. Lyle Foster also had an opportunity for South Africa, but his header was unsuccessful.

Quinones and Jimenez continued to create opportunities for Mexico, with Quinones hitting the goalpost. By halftime, South Africa trailed 1-0 against a dominant home team, which enjoyed over 57% possession, 10 shots, and 11 touches in the opposition's box.

In the 50th minute, Sithole received a red card for a foul on Gutierrez just outside the box, leaving South Africa a man down, although Mexico did not earn a penalty kick.

Both teams made substitutions in the second half, with 17-year-old Gilberto Mora replacing Gutierrez. In the 67th minute, Jimenez scored for Mexico with a powerful header, assisted by Quinones and Alvarado, marking his fourth World Cup appearance.

Jimenez went down in the box after contact with Sibisi, appealing for a penalty, but the referee issued a yellow card to South Africa instead.

Quinones exited the field in the 79th minute, making way for Vega.

In the 83rd minute, South Africa received their second red card when Zwane was sent off, reducing their squad to nine players. In stoppage time, Mexico also received a red card, the match's third, but it had no impact on the outcome as Mexico celebrated a well-deserved victory in front of their enthusiastic supporters.