- Mexico Begin 2026 FIFA World Cup Campaign With 2:0 Win Over South Africa
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Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored for the hosts.
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South Africa finished the match with nine players after two red
Hosts Mexico kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday night, taking full advantage of defensive lapses and a numerical advantage to secure all three points.
Mexico made a bright start to the Group Stage encounter and took the lead in the ninth minute through Julián Quiñones. The forward capitalised on a costly error in South Africa’s defence, pouncing on a loose ball at the edge of the penalty area before firing beyond goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Buoyed by the early goal, Mexico dominated possession and created several chances to extend their advantage before halftime.
Raúl Jiménez came close with a powerful header, while Quiñones nearly grabbed his second of the night after striking the outside of the post as South Africa struggled to cope with the hosts’ attacking pressure.
Despite Mexico’s dominance, South Africa managed to create a few opportunities of their own. Lyle Foster failed to convert a promising headed chance, while defender Mbekezile Mbokazi forced a fine save from the Mexican goalkeeper late in the first half.
The match tilted further in Mexico’s favour shortly after the restart when South Africa were reduced to 10 men in the 49th minute.
Midfielder Yaya Sithole was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge, leaving the African side with a difficult task against a confident Mexican team.
Mexico eventually made their numerical advantage count in the 67th minute. Roberto Alvarado delivered a well-placed cross into the penalty area and Jiménez rose highest to guide a header into the bottom corner, doubling his side’s lead.
South Africa’s hopes of mounting a comeback suffered another setback in the 84th minute when substitute Themba Zwane was sent off after a VAR review. The dismissal reduced South Africa to nine players for the remainder of the contest.
Mexico’s evening was not entirely flawless, however, as defender César Montes received a straight red card deep into stoppage time for a reckless challenge. The late dismissal had little impact on the result as the hosts comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.
Backed by a crowd of 80,824 supporters, Mexico secured a winning start to their World Cup campaign and strengthened their early hopes of progressing from the group stage.
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