Mexico's win an emotional celebration of World Cup...
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- Mexico defeated South Africa 2‑0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup at Estadio Azteca.
- Julián Quiñones opened the scoring for Mexico in the ninth minute.
- Raúl Jiménez added a second goal in the second half, sealing the victory.
- César Montes was shown a red card, leaving his replacement uncertain for Mexico’s next group game.
- South Africa received two red cards in the second half, contributing to their defeat.
- Estadio Azteca saw fans toss thousands of paper sombreros into the air before the opening whistle, creating a festive atmosphere.
Why it matters: Mexico’s 2‑0 opener ends a decade of early World Cup exits, reviving national pride and energizing the host nation’s supporters, while the red card to defender César Montes forces a tactical adjustment for the upcoming group match against South Korea.
