World Cup 2026: Mexico cruise to a 2-0 win over South Africa in fiery opener

Mexico made a winning start to the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday night, defeating South Africa 2-0 in a fiery opening match of the tournament.

Early pressure forces key saves

The hosts began on the front foot and nearly opened the scoring in the 5th minute from a corner kick. Raul Jimenez connected with a first-time effort aimed at the bottom corner, but South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced a brilliant diving save to deny the opener.

Quiñones breaks the deadlock

Mexico’s dominance eventually paid off in the 9th minute when Julian Quiñones took advantage of a defensive error at the edge of the box and finished confidently to give the hosts a deserved lead.

Before the break, both Raul Jimenez and Quiñones came close again as Mexico continued to dictate attacking play.

Red card shifts momentum further

The match swung further in Mexico’s favour in the 49th minute when Yaya Sithole was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle, reducing South Africa to ten men for the majority of the second half.

Jiménez doubles the lead

Mexico eventually made their pressure count in the 67th minute. Raul Jimenez met a lofted cross from Roberto Alvarado and guided a precise header into the bottom corner to extend the lead to 2-0.

Late VAR drama adds to South Africa’s frustration

South Africa’s difficulties deepened in the 84th minute when VAR intervention resulted in a second red card, with Themba Zwane sent off by the referee.

Comfortable finish for the hosts

With a two-goal advantage and numerical superiority, Mexico controlled the closing stages comfortably to seal all three points and begin their World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion.