Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored the goals that gave the host nation a winning start before a packed stadium. The result set the tone on the first day of a tournament expanded to 48 teams across North America.
Estadio Azteca, one of football’s most storied venues, hosted the curtain-raiser as fans filled the stands for the continent’s return to the global stage. Mexico controlled key stretches of play and capitalised on chances that South Africa could not answer.
The victory carried symbolic weight for a co-host nation opening the event on home soil. South Africa, appearing in the expanded format, left the pitch without a goal despite periods of competitive play in the first half.
Group-stage fixtures across Mexico, the United States, and Canada will continue through the coming weeks. Mexico’s attack, led by Quinones and Jimenez, will aim to build momentum in subsequent matches.
Mexico’s supporters celebrated in the streets of the capital after the final whistle, treating the win as validation of preparations that began years before the co-hosted tournament. South Africa will regroup before its next group fixture with disciplinary concerns hanging over the squad.
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Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/11/sport/live-news/world-cup-mexico-south-africa