Mexico kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 2-0 win over South Africa, taking control early and never letting go in front of 80,824 fans.
The co-hosts broke the deadlock in the 9th minute when Julián Quiñones pounced on a South African turnover and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Quiñones’ strike was the fastest opening goal since Philipp Lahm in 2006.
The game turned chaotic after halftime. South Africa were reduced to 10 men in the 49th minute when Sphephelo Sithole got a straight red for fouling Brian Gutiérrez on a breakaway.
With the extra man, Mexico doubled their lead in the 67th minute as Raúl Jiménez headed in a cross from Roberto Alvarado for his first-ever World Cup goal. Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora came on at 66’ to become Mexico’s youngest World Cup player.