After two goals and three red cards, Mexico and South Africa kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup with plenty of fireworks at Mexico City Stadium.
El Tri defeated South Africa, 2-0, with goals by Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez. In front of a sell-out home crowd, Mexico picked up its first three points of the tournament and matched the energy of the environment. Meanwhile, South Africa will be without two players in the next match of the group, and Mexico will be without key center back Cesar Montes.
Complete with an opening ceremony that featured World Cup anthem queen Shakira and legendary Mexican rock band Mana, all the pomp and circumstance couldn't stop Mexico from stamping their flag in the tournament.
There were natural opening game jitters, though you wouldn't assume that based on Julian Quinones goal in the opening 10 minutes. Despite the quick start, the game did settle in stretches, with South Africa's five-back forcing Mexico into some decision-making that was either too late or misjudged. Still, the early goal lifted some pressure off the shoulders of the co-hosts.
He led all Mexico players in the match in total shots (five), successful dribbles (five), and earned player of the match honors. No other Mexico player made more line-breaking passes in the final third (five) or behind the defensive line (two) than Quiñones. His goal was a historic goal for the region, marking the first time a Concacaf player scored the first goal in a single edition of the FIFA World Cup.
Raul Jimenez cemented three points for El Tri in the second half. An emotional tally for his first-ever World Cup goal at age 35, it came nearly five years after fracturing his skull and suffering a traumatic brain injury, the long-time striker was visibly emotional following his header and pointed to the sky in honor of his late father, who passed away in March. At 35 years and 37 days, Jimenez is now the oldest player to score on his first FIFA World Cup start.
There will be an emphasis on the squad not being able to convert more of their chances, especially as they had a two-player advantage at one point in the game. But getting an important three points in the group was the main objective achieved for the squad for now.
Mexico's head coach, Javier Aguirre, and his staff will immediately be put to the adjustment test with Cesar Montes officially unavailable for the next game against South Korea. The roster already had question marks around and was already thin at center back. Edson Alvarez could be an option, though the dual defensive midfielder is just beginning to build his minutes following his return from injury.
It'll be an even bigger test for the group in Guadalajara on June 18. South Korea is a much different side compared to South Africa, with more tournament experience and more technical quality than some other squads. The two teams last played to a 2-2 draw back in September and both operate differently in World Cup settings.
The Taegeuk Warriors can sometimes operate in a back three, which keeps them fluid in attack, and if there's a clear weakness in Mexico's backline, why not target it? You add a top player in Son Heung-min, with the added storyline of this likely being his final World Cup, chasing a scoring record for South Korea and the pressure just gets higher for El Tri at home.
An opening win is great, but stretches of the game are maybe where some deeper questions lie. Mexico's 16 total shots against South Africa ended with four attempts on target and two goals to close out the game. The group will likely go back over the tape and notice some of the indecisiveness out of the back that may have led to slower momentum and fewer build-ups for attacking sequences.
The victory tells us a lot, but a bigger picture is still developing. Mexico's attacking line looks stronger with Jimenez and Quinones after years of wondering if Santiago Gimenez was the answer. Brian Gutierrez and Roberto Alvarado were good supporting players, with Alvarado assisting Quinones opening goal, and Gutierrez drawing the foul that sent off the first of South Africa's two red-carded players.
We even got a glimpse of the future with 17-year-old Gilberto Mora making his World Cup debut, the youngest player ever to debut for Mexico, and in a way that didn't immediately pile an entire country's hopes and dreams upon a teenager.
Had it not been for some goalkeeping brilliance by South Africa's Ronwen Williams, then maybe the ceiling would have been smashed through. For now, they are at least a stairway to heaven, and maybe Mexico can soar like alebrijes in a dream.
The home side gets on the scoreboard first. It's Julián Quiñones with the historic goal for EL Tri in Mexico City Stadium. Raul Jimenez scored Mexico's second goal in the 67th minute.
A strange ending to the match as the referee issued a straight red card to Mexico's centerback Cesar Montes, bringing the amount of red cards to three in the game. That's offically more than the two goals scored today. It means an immediate adjustment for head coach Javier Aguirre for matchday two. For now, Mexico leads Group A with 3 points.
In a surprise twist, the center official has now issued a straight red card to Mexico centerback Cesar Montes following a foul in the run of play. Montes with a deliberate hip check of a foul. South Africa has been awarded a free kick.
After subbing in for Foster earlier in the half, Zwane is issued a red card for hand on the face of Alvarado.
VAR is considering a possible red card.
76' Jimenez exits the game to a roaring Estadio Azteca. He leaves after scoring his first-ever World Cup goal and comes off for Armando Gonzalez. Erik Lira's day is also done; the midfielder delivered the opening assist. Makes way for Edson Alvarez, who is still working back into form after an ankle injury.
The face of Mexico's attack finally scored his first World Cup goal. An emotional moment: the striker had tears in his eyes after his header found the back of the net for El Tri. It's only understandable. Just a few years ago, while playing in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jimenez suffered a life-changing skull fracture. He made a successful return and competed in Qatar in 2022, but now he has his first World Cup goal, and on home soil.
Raul Jimenez finally has his World Cup goal and puts Mexico ahead, 2-0. Mexico is taking advantage of extra space now, and Alvarado whipped in a long cross, and Jimenez heads it away.
65' Manager Aguirre makes his first subs of the game. It's a double substitution for Mora and Chavez to come on.
Looks like Bafana Bafana are still trying to manage the game with just 10 players. For this sub window Adams comes off Themba Zwane.
56' Looks like Lyle Foster is done for the game, and it's hard to tell if it's related to player disadvantage, coaches call, or just minute management. The star striker comes out of the game for Thalente Mbatha.
Looks like Mora and Chavez are warming up on the sidelines for Mexico as the game ticks past the 55-minute mark. With the player advantage, the game could benefit from a young player like Mora off the bench.
The red card means South Africa will now complete the match with only 10 players from the 50th minute. Mexico is already taking advantage of the advantage, getting wider and more active on the ball in the attacking half.
49' A red card has been issued to South Africa's Sithole after a foul on Brian Gutierrez. It's a clear foul, started outside of the box, and Mexico is immediately awarded a free kick.
No changes by either coach to start the half. Both teams back to work.
Mexico started off the game with confidence, and Quiñones scored the opening goal for El Tri. South Africa hasn't looked completely out of the game, though their opportunities have been fewer than Mexico's in the final third. Despite some additional chances on goal by Quinones, Jimenez, and Gutierrez, El Tri takes a narrow lead into halftime. Would feel better if they had at least one more goal, but part of that feels like tournament soccer.
45' South Africa might not have a goal to show for their efforts, but they are keeping Mexico honest. The latest free-kick opportunity by Mbokazi is stopped by Rangel.
42' Chicagoland dual national Brian Gutierrez gets a clear shot off in the box, but it's off the post! Mexico is getting chances but cannot finish them. With the crowd advantage behind them, missing these would only motivate South Africa to reach halftime with a manageable game.
41' An OUTRAGEOUS one-handed save by Williams on Jimenez to keep things narrow on the scoreboard, but Mexico quickly retakes possession after the reset.
39' Mexico midfielder Erik Lira is down on the pitch for a brief moment following a challenge with a defender. He's been treated by trainers for a small amount of time, but appears to be back up and ready to go.
35' Gallardo gets involved in the attack and nearly gets end line to slot a cross across the box. There are plenty of alternate runners in the box for Mexico, including Jimenez, but South Africa goalkeeper Williams intercepts the ball before it can reach any Mexico players.
At the half-hour mark, El Tri has the lead and is mostly in control of the game. They lead in possession, though not by giant leaps, at 55% to 45%, and while South Africa leads in fouls (five), things are even in terms of yellow cards, with Gutierrez and Mokoena each getting carded in the first half.
A Colombian dual national, Quiñones the former Club America winger, made his debut for the Mexican national team in 2023, and it was met with criticism for not being Mexican. Now, fast forward and he has the first goal for El Tri at the World Cup to ease the nerves. That's gotta feel good to score like this at the Azteca, as he could be a breakout player under Javier Aguirre during this World Cup.
26' During the 2026 World Cup, there will be designated Hydration Breaks during the summer tournament. All players are by their respective benches and getting some water and extra coaching for now.
23' Brian Gutierrez tries to go in for the tackle, but the official doesn't agree. Gets the first yellow of the match, and now it's a free kick opportunity for South Africa in a dangerous area.
18' Quinones is feeling it. After some good ball retention by Fidalgo, Quinones gets the ball at his feet and creates enough space to try another shot. He's able to get it off, but it's just over the upper right corner.
9' GOAL It's Mexico on the scoreboard first! Erik Lira goes in for a fifty-fifty ball and wins. Quinones is able to pounce, and it's too late for any South African defenders to mark him as he strikes the ball for the opening goal 10 minutes into the match.
6' South Africa eventually defends away from Mexico's corner and tries to craft a counter. As Bafana Bafana are on the ball, the crowd is loudly booing every touch up the pitch. The brief buildup eventually gets snuffed out by Rangel.
5' Mexico retains the ball in the final third, and the ball gets through the box with Raul Jimenez making a run. He strikes it cleanly and forces a save, and Mexico gets its first corner of the game.
2' Well, if part of game planning is to ensure power in numbers in the defending half, South Africa is mapping and executing things perfectly. They're keeping lines tight and eager to make El Tri work for any open lanes early.
