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🛒 تسوق الآنMexico Crush South Africa 2-0 in World Cup 2026 Openers at Azteca
Mexico Crush South Africa 2-0 in World Cup 2026 Openers at Azteca
Quinones Breaks the Deadlock as Hosts Dominate
Mexico roared to a 2-0 lead over South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday. Julian Quinones struck the tournament's first goal before halftime, and Raul Jimenez — visibly emotional — doubled the lead at the 67th minute to send 80,000 home fans into delirium. The result puts Mexico in control of Group A, while South Africa face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stage.
Thursday's Group A victory was built on a commanding first-half display by the hosts, who controlled possession and created dangerous chances against a South African side that struggled to find its rhythm in the thin air of Mexico City.
Sithole Red Card Changes the Game
South Africa's hopes effectively ended just after the 50-minute mark when defender Yaya Sithole was shown a straight red card for bringing down Brian Gutierrez on the edge of the penalty area. Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio made no hesitation, and VAR upheld the decision. Sithole had already conceded the first goal and was the first player sent off in a World Cup opener since Marco Etcheverry for Bolivia against Germany in 1994.
Key Facts
- 2-0 — Final score at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Quinones (46') — Scored the opening goal of the 2026 World Cup and hit the post before halftime
- Jimenez (67') — Netted his first World Cup goal in tears, pointing to the sky
- Sithole (51') — Red carded for denying Gutierrez a clear goalscoring chance
- 13 — Remaining matches for both teams in the group stage
- 37th vs 19th — South Africa ranked 37th, Mexico 19th among all 48 World Cup teams
Jimenez: A Career-Defining Moment
"Finally, Jimenez gets his World Cup goal," wrote The Athletic's live team as the 35-year-old striker wheeled away in celebration. The forward, who has 126 caps and 45 goals for Mexico, pointed skyward after scoring — a moment that moved him within one goal of Jared Borgetti and seven of Javier Hernandez on Mexico's all-time scoring charts. He could climb to eighth in all-time appearances if he plays all three group matches.
North African Football Fans Will Feel This Result
The World Cup opener sets the tone for what promises to be an electric tournament across North Africa and the Arab world. With Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia also competing, African and Arab football fans will be watching closely. South Africa's harsh lesson — that one moment of indiscipline can destroy a World Cup dream — serves as a warning for every underdog nation in the competition.
What's Next
South Africa must regroup quickly after a day to forget. Hugo Broos' side faces South Korea and Czech Republic in their remaining group matches and now need a near-perfect run to advance. Mexico, meanwhile, will look to maintain momentum in Group A and prove that home advantage at the Azteca can carry them deep into the tournament. With Gilberto Mora — a 17-year-old wonderkid — already making appearances from the bench, Mexico's depth looks formidable.
For South Africa, the road ahead is narrow. For Mexico, the World Cup is alive.
— LibyaPress / Sports Desk
