Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in 2026 World Cup opener at Azteca Stadium

Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Saturday. Striker Julian Quinones gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute, and Raul Jimenez doubled the advantage in the 67th minute to seal the win. The match produced three red cards. South Africa's Sfiso Sithole was sent off in the 50th minute, teammate Themba Zwane followed in the 84th, and Mexico's Cesar Montes was dismissed in stoppage time. The result moved Mexico to the top of Group A, which also includes South Korea and Czechia, on goal difference after the first round of matches. A fan died in the area around the Azteca Stadium before the game, with brief panic reported nearby, according to local accounts.