Sport: Soccer Country: Mexico Category: Scores & Results

Mexico secures opening World Cup win against South Africa in 2026

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 12:18 AM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Mexico secures opening World Cup win against South Africa in 2026

Summary

Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Azteca on June 12. The home team benefited from an early goal by Julian Quiñones and a second from Raul Jimenez after South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole received a red card. This match marked the start of a World Cup that has faced significant criticism regarding its organization and venue choices. With the win, Mexico significantly improves its chances of progressing to the knockout stage, already 94% likely to advance.

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By the Numbers

•Julian Quiñones scored the tournament's opening goal in the ninth minute.
•Raul Jimenez added a second goal after South Africa was reduced to 10 men.
•Estadio Azteca is highlighted for its historical significance.
•César Montes received a red card toward the end of the match.
•Mexico is highly favored to advance to the knockout stages.

Latest Updates

12:18 AMYahoo Sports — Mexico send Fifa a telling reminder of what the World Cup must never lose

What they're saying

"
After a controversial build-up to Fifa’s showpiece event, Mexico, writes Ed Malyon in Mexico City, cleansed a World Cup and ensured the conversations around football will start to change
— Yahoo Sports

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