Mexico began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory against a nine-man South Africa side on Thursday. The match marked the start of the expanded tournament at the Estadio Azteca. Julian Quinones scored the first goal of the event in the ninth minute with a low shot. Veteran forward Raul Jimenez added a second in the 67th minute from a counter-attack. South Africa struggled throughout and had two players dismissed, including Sphephelo Sithole in the 49th minute and Themba Zwane late in the game following a VAR review. Mexico also finished with ten men after a late red card to defender Cesar Montes. The result gives the co-hosts a strong start in Group A before a large home crowd.
