Mexico claims 2-0 victory over South Africa in World Cup opener

4 sources2 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 9:41 PM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

Mexico claims 2-0 victory over South Africa in World Cup opener
Summary

Mexico secured a 2-0 victory against South Africa in their World Cup opener on June 11 at the Mexico City Stadium. Julián Quiñones scored the first goal after South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole made a critical mistake, and Raul Jiménez added a second goal in the second half. The match featured three red cards, with South Africa reduced to nine men after two dismissals. The win marks Mexico's first victory over South Africa in 26 years, allowing them to take the top position in Group A.

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  • Julián Quiñones opened the scoring early for Mexico.
  • Raul Jiménez scored in the second half to secure the lead.
  • Three red cards were issued during the match.
  • Mexico's win is their first over South Africa in 26 years.
  • The victory places Mexico at the top of Group A.
Latest Updates
  • 9:41 PMYahoo SportsThree red cards as Mexico ease past South Africa in World Cup opener
  • 9:22 PMYahoo SportsJimenez and Quinones net as Mexico beat South Africa in World Cup opener
  • 9:11 PMYahoo SportsMexico ease to World Cup-opening win as Sithole suffers nightmare
  • 9:10 PMYahoo SportsMexico 2-0 South Africa: 10-man World Cup hosts beat 9-man Bafana Bafana
What they're saying
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World Cup co-hosts Mexico got off to the perfect start with goals from Julian Quinones and Raúl Jiménez sealing a 2-0 win over nine-man South Africa in the tournament opener on Thursday. Yaya Sithole's mistake - from a risky pass by keeper Ronwen Williams - allowed Erik Lira to square for Quinones, who sent fans wild.

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World Cup co-hosts Mexico got off to the perfect start with goals from Julian Quinones and Raúl Jiménez sealing a 2-0 win over nine-man South Africa in the tournament opener on Thursday. Yaya Sithole's mistake - from a risky pass by keeper Ronwen Williams - allowed Erik Lira to square for Quinones, who sent fans wild.

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Raul Jiménez ended his wait for a World Cup goal on his first full start for Mexico as the co-hosts coasted to a bizarre 2-0 win over South Africa that saw three red cards on opening night at the Mex...

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