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

MEXICO CITY — Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the historic Azteca Stadium on Friday. Forward Julián Quiñones gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute, a margin they held through halftime. Striker Raúl Jiménez doubled the advantage in the 67th minute to seal the result. The match produced three red cards. South Africa's Sfiso Sithole was sent off in the 50th minute and teammate Themba Zwane followed in the 84th, before Mexico's César Montes was dismissed in stoppage time. The win moved Mexico to the top of Group A on a temporary basis, ahead of South Korea and the Czech Republic. No further details about the other group matches were immediately available. Local authorities said a fan died in the area around the Azteca Stadium before the match, prompting a brief security scare among arriving supporters. Officials did not immediately release the cause of death or the identity of the person.