Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the newly refurbished Estadio Azteca. Julián Quiñones slipped the opening goal past keeper Ronwen Williams before the nine‑minute mark, and veteran Raúl Jiménez added a second in the second half. It marked Mexico’s first ever win in a World Cup opener after seven previous attempts.

South Africa’s Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole earned a straight red early in the second half, then Themba Zwane was sent off after VAR confirmed a strike on Roberto Alvarado. Mexican centre‑back César Montes received a third red in stoppage time. It marked an opening match with three dismissals. The three red cards set an opening‑match record and equal the most expulsals since the 2006 double‑red incident.

The win leaves Mexico atop Group A with three points, while South Africa heads to Atlanta to face Czechia. Mexico’s next test arrives Thursday in Guadalajara against South Korea. Teenager Gilberto Mora, 17 years and 240 days, became the youngest Mexican to appear at a World Cup, underscoring the host nation’s blend of experience and youth.