Mexico Down South Africa 2-0 in a Wild World Cup Opener

Updated 17 June 2026.

Mexico vs South Africa at World Cup 2026 finished 2-0 to the hosts, with Julián Quiñones scoring inside nine minutes and Raúl Jiménez adding a second on 67 at a packed Estadio Azteca. The result rarely looked in doubt, but the night turned ragged late on, with three red cards across the closing 40 minutes and South Africa reduced to nine men. Mexico open Group A with the win the occasion demanded.

How Mexico beat South Africa

Mexico took control early and never gave it back. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the ninth minute to settle the home crowd, and from there the hosts managed the game on their terms. South Africa, making up the numbers as one of the tournament’s longer shots, struggled to create clear chances against an organised Mexico back line.

The second goal arrived on 67 minutes through Raúl Jiménez, the experienced striker finishing to make it 2-0 and effectively end the contest. With two goals and a clean sheet, Mexico ticked every box a host nation wants from its opening match.

The red cards that defined the closing stages

The scoreline was comfortable, but the discipline was not. South Africa had Sphephelo Sithole sent off on 49 minutes, then lost Themba Zwane to a second dismissal on 84, finishing the match with nine players. Mexico did not escape clean either: César Montes was shown red deep in stoppage time on 90+2.

Three red cards in a single match is a striking way to open a World Cup, and it pointed to the tension of a tournament where early points carry extra weight in the expanded 48-team format. Once Mexico were two up and a man advantage became two, the game lost its shape and gained its edge.

What it means for Group A

Mexico sit top of Group A on goal difference after day one, level on three points with South Korea, who beat Czechia 2-1 in the group’s other opener. South Africa are bottom and now face a hard road back in a group where the seeds both started with wins. You can follow the group as it develops on our standings page.

For the hosts, this was about more than three points. A clean sheet, two goals and a winning start at the Azteca give Mexico momentum heading into their second fixture. South Africa, by contrast, must regroup quickly with two suspensions to manage.

What is next

Both sides return to Group A action in their second round of fixtures, with the day-by-day schedule on our fixtures page and goals live on live scores. This match was part of a busy opening day; catch the full rundown in our World Cup 2026 June 11 results round-up, and see the format and venues in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.

Frequently asked questions

What was the score in Mexico vs South Africa?

Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the World Cup 2026 opening match on 11 June at the Estadio Azteca, with goals from Julián Quiñones (9′) and Raúl Jiménez (67′).

Who scored for Mexico against South Africa?

Julián Quiñones scored in the ninth minute and Raúl Jiménez added the second on 67 minutes as Mexico won 2-0 in their World Cup 2026 opener.

How many players were sent off in Mexico vs South Africa?

Three players were sent off: South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole (49′) and Themba Zwane (84′), and Mexico’s César Montes (90+2′). South Africa finished the match with nine men.

Source: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A.