Co-hosts Mexico launched the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a winning start, defeating South Africa 2-0 in the tournament’s opening match before a packed crowd at the historic Mexico City Stadium.
The victory handed El Tri three crucial points in Group A and delighted home supporters as the first-ever 48-team World Cup got underway across Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Mexico struck early through Julián Quiñones, who found the net in the ninth minute to settle nerves among the hosts and give Javier Aguirre’s side a dream start. �
South Africa attempted to fight back after the break, but Mexico maintained control for long periods before veteran striker Raúl Jiménez doubled the advantage in the 67th minute.
Mexico entered the match seeking a first-ever World Cup opening-game victory, having failed to win any of their previous tournament curtain-raisers. The result ended that long wait in front of an estimated crowd of more than 80,000 fans.
The match also revived memories of the 2010 World Cup opener, when South Africa and Mexico played out a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg. Sixteen years later, Mexico emerged victorious on home soil.
The win places Mexico at the top of Group A, while South Africa will look to recover in their next fixture as the race for a place in the knockout stages gathers pace.
