MEXICO CITY. – Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on Thursday night. The Mexico v South Africa contest at Mexico City Stadium produced three red cards in the second half.
Julian Quinones put the hosts ahead inside the first ten minutes. Raul Jimenez added the second in the 67th minute for his first World Cup goal. The fixture was a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener when South Africa hosted and the teams drew 1-1.
How the match unfolded
Mexico controlled the game in front of a full house and rarely looked troubled. Quinones opened the scoring early then helped create the second for Jimenez after the break. The goal was an emotional moment for Jimenez who returned from a serious head injury suffered in 2020.
The match turned ill-tempered in the closing stages. The referee showed three red cards, two to South Africa and one to Mexico. Mexico defender Cesar Montes was dismissed in stoppage time and Teboho Zwane was one of the two South Africa players sent off. All three players will miss their next group game.
What it means for Bafana
South Africa start their campaign with a defeat and a fresh problem. The two players sent off are suspended for the next match which forces Hugo Broos to reshape his side. Bafana now need a result against Czechia to keep their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive.
Bafana next fixture
South Africa face Czechia in Atlanta on Thursday 18 June. Kickoff is 18:00 SAST. The final Group A game against South Korea follows in Monterrey on Thursday 25 June at 03:00 SAST.
