Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday in Mexico City, capitalizing on an early defensive mistake and a second-half red card.
Mexico’s Julián Quiñones scored the tournament’s first goal in the eighth minute after South Africa’s midfielder Sphephelo S’miso “Yaya” Sithole lost possession just outside the penalty area, allowing Mexico to take an early 1-0 lead. The mistake directly led to the first goal of the 2026 World Cup.
MEXICO SCORES THE FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP 🇲🇽
It’s Julián Quiñones in the scoresheet! pic.twitter.com/SnoP04ltFP
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 11, 2026
South Africa prevented Mexico from adding to its advantage for the remainder of the first half, but the match swung further in Mexico’s favor shortly after halftime.
Sithole was shown a red card five minutes into the second half, the ejection reducing South Africa to 10 men for the remainder of the match. The turnover that led to Mexico’s opening goal and the early red card made Sithole a central figure in South Africa’s defeat.
Mexico eventually doubled its lead in the 67th minute when Raúl Jiménez scored on a header to give Mexico a 2-0 lead.
South Africa is shown a red card and is down to 10 men! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/HnPqExqTRq
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 11, 2026
The victory gives Mexico an early advantage in Group A, while South Africa will now look to rebound against Czechia next week.
Sithole, who finished the opening game with three fouls and was ejected in the second half, will be suspended for South Africa’s next match on Thursday.
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