Mexico made a dramatic start to the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking the lead before a chaotic second half produced three red cards at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
Julian Quinones scored the first goal of the tournament in the ninth minute, finishing from close range after Mexico took advantage of a South African defensive error. The goal put the crowded Azteca in a festive mood and gave Mexico the upper hand early in the match.
AS IT HAPPENED: Mexico vs South Africa, 2026 FIFA World Cup highlights
South Africa’s problems deepened four minutes after the restart when Yaya Sithole was shown a straight red card for bringing down Brian Gutierrez. The referee viewed the challenge as denying a clear scoring opportunity.
Raul Jimenez doubled Mexico’s lead in the 67th minute of the match.
The visitors were reduced to nine men after another red card for Themba Zwane later in the match, before Mexico also finished with ten men after Cesar Montes was sent off after 90 minutes.
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Player Ratings Mexico vs South Africa:
Mexico: Raúl Rangel (6.8/10), Israel Reyes (7.4/10), César Montes (5.5/10), Johan Vásquez (7.2/10), Jesús Gallardo (7.3/10), Érik Lira (6.9/10), Álvaro Fidalgo (7.1/10), Brian Gutiérrez (7.5/10), Roberto Alvarado (7.6/10), Raúl Jiménez (8.4/10), Julián Quiñones (8.2/10)
subtitles: Luis Chávez (7.0/10), Gilberto Mora (6.5/10), Edson Álvarez (6.3/10), Armando González (6.0/10), Alexis Vega (6.2/10)
South Africa: Ronwen Williams (6.2/10), Khuliso Mudau (6.4/10), Ime Okon (5.9/10), Nkosinathi Sibisi (5.6/10), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (5.7/10), Aubrey Modiba (6.1/10), Jayden Adams (6.0/10), Yaya Sithole (4.0/10), Teboho Mokoena (6.3/10), Lyle Foster (5.8/10), Iqraam Rayners (5.9/10)
subtitles: Talente Mbatha (6.1/10), Themba Zwane (4.2/10), Evidence Makgopa (5.8/10), Oswin Appollis (6.0/10)
Published on June 12, 2026
