Mexico defeat South Africa in fiery FIFA World Cup opener
World Cup opener sees record three red cards issued
Mexico’s players knew the weight of the moment on Thursday, June 11, as they stepped onto the pitch for the opening match of the first 48-team World Cup. The pressure was immense, the expectations towering, but the young squad embraced the challenge and delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over South Africa in a match that also saw three red cards — a record for a World Cup opener.
“I made an effort to explain to them what a World Cup and an opening match on home soil meant, but they are young and had to experience it for themselves,” said Mexico coach Javier Aguirre, who played for his country when Mexico last hosted the tournament in 1986. “I can no longer talk about having played in a home World Cup, because they already know what it’s like.”
Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored the goals for Mexico, which is co-hosting the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and the United States. The win marked a significant rebound from the massive disappointment of being eliminated in the group stage four years ago in Qatar. That exit came after seven consecutive Round of 16 appearances — a streak that had turned into a curse, as Mexico had never advanced further until reaching the quarterfinals twice as host nation in 1970 and 1986. Aguirre was part of that 1986 team.
In front of a capacity crowd of 80,824 at Estadio Azteca, Mexico came out fast and took the lead in the ninth minute when Quiñones struck. Jiménez added the second goal on a powerful header in the 66th minute — his 46th for Mexico but his first in three World Cup tournaments.
“We didn’t play well in the first half, but we could have gone into the break leading 3–0 and no one would have complained — we were far superior,” Aguirre said. “In the second half, it felt like we relaxed a bit, but starting with a win is good, and we can certainly improve.”
With his goal, Jiménez moved into a tie with Jared Borgetti for second place in scoring for Mexico’s national team. He is now six goals shy of leader Javier “Chicharito” Hernández. Jiménez wears a protective headguard due to a serious injury he suffered in November 2020 while playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers in a Premier League match against Arsenal. He fractured his skull, underwent surgery, and was out for eight months before returning in July 2021.
The match was chaotic in more ways than one. South Africa players Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane both received red cards, forcing their team to finish with only nine players. Mexico defender César Montes was then given a red card in injury time. It was the first time three red cards were issued in a World Cup opener and the most in a single World Cup game since four were handed out when Portugal played the Netherlands at the 2006 tournament in Germany.
“This level is much higher than whatever level we played before. We played a good team, and we played a good game. “We must improve in the next days. We’ll get over the disappointment.”
Quiñones, a 29-year-old forward born in Colombia, was the top scorer in the Saudi league this season. He was one of six starting players who made their World Cup debut for El Tri, adding fresh energy to a squad determined to break through Mexico’s historic ceiling.
The victory gave Mexico hope. For decades, the team has been praised for its consistency but criticized for its inability to advance past the Round of 16. Now, competing on home soil with a renewed roster and a coach who understands the magic of hosting, Mexico believes this could be the year they finally reach the quarterfinals again.