Mexico City — Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, securing its first-ever victory in a tournament opener in front of 80,824 fans at Banorte Stadium.
Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the ninth minute after a defensive error by South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The custodian tried to play out from the back but put defender Nkosinathi Sibisi under pressure from Erik Lira, who stole the ball. It fell to Quiñones, who fired a right-footed shot that went under the goalkeeper’s legs.
Mexico dominated possession and created several chances to extend the lead. The clearest came in the 42nd minute when Roberto Alvarado combined with Brian Gutiérrez, who set up Quiñones inside the area, but his shot hit the post. The first half ended 1-0.
South Africa went down to 10 men in the 50th minute when midfielder Siphephelo Sithole received a straight red card for fouling Gutiérrez on the edge of the box as he was about to face the goalkeeper.
Despite the numerical advantage, Mexico struggled to find fluency, and the crowd grew restless. The atmosphere lifted in the 66th minute when 17-year-old Gilberto Mora came on for Álvaro Fidalgo to a huge roar.
A minute later, Mexico doubled its lead. Alvarado crossed from the left flank and Raúl Jiménez headed home for his first goal in four World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022, 2026).
With six minutes left, South Africa was reduced to nine men when Themba Zwane was shown a red card for striking Alvarado in the face. Mexico’s César Montes also saw red in stoppage time for a foul near his own area, but the score remained 2-0.
Mexico has now played the World Cup opener eight times (1930, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1970, 2010, and 2026), more than any other nation, but had never won until Thursday. Its previous record was five losses and two draws.
The two teams previously met in the 2010 opener in Johannesburg, drawing 1-1.
Before the match, Mexican actress and FIFA ambassador Salma Hayek hosted the opening ceremony, which featured the flags of all 48 qualified nations. The crowd applauded every flag except those of Argentina and the United States, which were met with boos.
FIFA’s new protocol saw all 26 squad members on the field for the national anthems, not just the starting XI.
Lineups
Mexico: Raúl Rangel (GK); Israel Reyes, César Montes (captain), Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Erik Lira, Álvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutiérrez; Julián Quiñones, Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez.
South Africa: Ronwen Williams (GK); Aubrey Modiba, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon; Teboho Mokoena, Siphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams; Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners.
Bookings
- Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) – 17′
- Brian Gutiérrez (Mexico) – 23′
- Nkosinathi Sibisi (South Africa) – 74′
Red cards
- Siphephelo Sithole (South Africa) – 50′
- Themba Zwane (South Africa) – 84′
- César Montes (Mexico) – 90+1′
Mexico substitutions
- Luis Chávez for Brian Gutiérrez – 66′
- Gilberto Mora for Álvaro Fidalgo – 66′
- Armando González for Raúl Jiménez – 76′
- Edson Álvarez for Erik Lira – 76′
- Alexis Vega for Julián Quiñones – 79′
