Sport: Soccer Country: Mexico Category: Scores & Results

Mexico wins World Cup opener amid violent protests outside Azteca Stadium

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 8:43 AM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Mexico wins World Cup opener amid violent protests outside Azteca Stadium

Summary

Mexico's World Cup opener on June 12 features a 2-0 win over South Africa at Estadio Azteca, where Julián Quiñones scored early and Raúl Jiménez added a second goal. Outside the stadium, violent protests erupted, involving teachers and activists, who criticized the government's focus on the World Cup amid ongoing social issues. Clashes with police saw windows smashed and security measures implemented. As the match progressed, concerns grew around crowd control in surrounding areas. Mexico next faces South Korea on June 18, while South Africa prepares to play Czechia the same day.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Mexico defeats South Africa 2-0 in World Cup opener on June 12.
•Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored for Mexico.
•Protests outside Azteca involved issues like missing persons and government resource allocation.
•Three red cards were issued during the match, impacting both teams' future games.
•Mexico will face South Korea, and South Africa plays Czechia on June 18.

Latest Updates

8:43 AMYahoo Sports — Violent scenes as protesters smash truck outside Azteca Stadium in Mexico

What they're saying

"
Mexico’s World Cup opener ended in a 2-0 win over South Africa, but violent scenes outside Estadio Azteca brought a separate flashpoint to opening day. The match itself gave the co-hosts the start they wanted.
— Yahoo Sports

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