In the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico started the championship with 3 points by beating South Africa 2-0.
Mexico, which started the match under pressure with the support of its fans, was rewarded for its pressure with the goal scored by Quinones in the 9th minute. The home team forced South Africa to defend constantly and tried to be dangerous in the South African goal with attacks developed mainly from the right wing. Mexico hit the post with Quinones in the last stages of the first half and went to the locker room leading 1-0.
The home team relaxed against South Africa, which was down to 10 players at the beginning of the second half, and became more pressured in the game. Trying to hold on to the game against Mexico, which made the score 2-0 with the goal scored by Jimenez in the 66th minute against its missing opponent, South Africa was left with 9 men after Zwane was sent off in the 84th minute. Even though Mexico finished the match with 10 men after Cesar Montes received a red card, they won the match 2-0.
In the 9th minute, under Mexico’s pressure, Lira touched the ball in front of the penalty area and made his opponent lose the ball. Quinones found the ball in front of him in the area close to the penalty arc and his hard shot went into the net: 1-0.
In the 43rd minute, Alvarado crossed from the right wing. Quinones hit the ball left by Gutierrez towards the penalty arc with his right foot, the ball hit the post and returned to the field of play.
In the 49th minute, South Africa was down to 10 men. Sithole, who knocked down Gutierrez while running behind the defense, was sent out of the game with a direct red card.
In the 66th minute, Mexico scored a relieving goal. Alvarado centered the ball from the right wing inward with his left foot and Jiminez headed it into the net: 2-0.
In the 84th minute, South Africa was down to 9 men. After Zwane’s move towards Gallardo, the referee went to VAR and showed his red card after his review.
90+2. Mexico’s Cesar Montes received a red card in the minute. Montes was punished with a red card after he kneed Mudau, who entered the penalty area from the right.
Mexico won the match 2-0.
HERE ARE THE GOALS OF THE MATCH:
⚽️ Big mistake in South Africa’s defense! The first goal of the 2026 World Cup comes from Mexican Quinones! pic.twitter.com/eaJ8dQX7Q6
— TRT Spor (@trtspor) June 11, 2026
⚽️ Raul Jimenez scored to relieve Mexico! pic.twitter.com/igH36BdQ5g
— TRT Spor (@trtspor) June 11, 2026