In the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup played on Thursday 11 June, Mexico beat South Africa 2–0 with goals from Julián Quiñones in the 9th minute and Raúl Jiménez in the 67th minute, while the game was marked by three red cards South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole sent off in the 49th minute and Themba Zwane in the 84th minute (leaving them with only 9 men), and Mexico’s own César Montes dismissed in added time at 90’+2, meaning both teams finished the full-time whistle with 10 men each
| FINAL SCORE | ||
| MEXICO | 2-0 | SOUTH AFRICA |
| ⚽ Quiñones 9′ ⚽ Jiménez 67 | FULL TIME |
On Thursday, 11 June 2026, the FIFA World Cup 2026 officially kicked off with a Group A encounter between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where co-hosts Mexico delivered a strong performance to secure a 2–0 victory before more than 87,000 spectators. Mexico took the lead in the 9th minute when forward Julián Quiñones scored the opening goal of both the match and the entire FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament, sending the home crowd into celebration. Mexico maintained control throughout the first half and entered the break leading 1–0. Shortly after halftime, South Africa suffered a major setback when Sphephelo Sithole was shown a red card in the 49th minute, reducing Bafana Bafana to ten men. Mexico capitalized on their numerical advantage and doubled their lead in the 67th minute through veteran striker Raúl Jiménez, who calmly finished to make the score 2–0. South Africa’s situation worsened in the 84th minute when captain Themba Zwane received a second red card for his team, leaving them with only nine players on the field. Despite being comfortably ahead, Mexico also finished the match with ten men after defender César Montes was sent off in stoppage time at 90’+2. The match ended with Mexico securing three points, a clean sheet, and an early lead in Group A, while South Africa were left searching for their first points of the tournament after a difficult evening marked by disciplinary problems and two costly dismissals. The goals were scored by Julián Quiñones (9′) and Raúl Jiménez (67′) for Mexico, while the red cards were issued to Sphephelo Sithole (49′), Themba Zwane (84′), and César Montes
🌍 What Is the FIFA World Cup? (Simple Explanation!)
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest and most prestigious football tournament in the world, organized by the FIFA, the governing body of international football. It brings together the best national teams from across the globe to compete for the title of World Champion
⚽ How It All Happened — Minute by Minute
BEFORE THE MATCH: A Historic Setting
This was not just any game. It was the very first match of the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup! Thousands of fans in green, white, and red filled the Estadio Azteca one of the most famous stadiums on Earth. The atmosphere was electric.
Fascinatingly, this was also a rematch the exact same two teams (Mexico vs South Africa) had opened the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Back then, it ended 1-1. This time, Mexico was playing at home and wanted revenge!
MINUTE 9: MEXICO SCORES FIRST 🚀
Just nine minutes🕘 into the game barely enough time to finish your first snack Mexico struck! South Africa’s player Sphephelo Sithole made a big mistake by losing the ball near his own goal area. Mexico’s Erik Lira pounced on it, and the ball fell perfectly to Julián Quiñones. Quiñones fired a low shot that went straight through the goalkeeper’s legs. Mexico City erupted 1-0 🙌⚽🏆🙌
Imagine making a mistake in class and the person next to you immediately scores a point off it that’s exactly what happened to South Africa here.😂🤣😆😹