Raul Jimenez scores to lead Mexico past South Africa at World Cup opener
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 12:02 AM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
Raul Jimenez scored a header to help Mexico secure a 2-0 victory over South Africa in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup at Azteca Stadium. Jimenez's goal came in the 67th minute, following an earlier score from Julian Quinones in the ninth minute. This match marks a significant personal victory for Jimenez, who suffered a severe head injury in 2020 that almost ended his career. He had previously participated in World Cups only as a substitute, and this match is his first World Cup start. The match also featured three red cards issued to players from both teams.
- •Jimenez's goal was his first World Cup goal in 125 appearances for Mexico.
- •Mexico's Quinones opened the scoring early in the match.
- •Jimenez scored in tribute to his late father.
- •Three players were sent off during the match.
- •The match took place at Azteca Stadium with nearly 80,000 fans present.
- 12:02 AMYahoo Sports — From near death to World Cup hero - Jimenez's tears for Mexico
- 12:02 AMBBC Sport — From near death to World Cup hero - Jimenez's tears for Mexico
"From nearly dying on the pitch to scoring for Mexico at the World Cup - Raul Jimenez has completed a remarkable comeback.
"From nearly dying on the pitch to scoring for Mexico at the World Cup - Raul Jimenez has completed a remarkable comeback.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 12, 2026, 12:02 AMFrom near death to World Cup hero - Jimenez's tears for Mexico
From nearly dying on the pitch to scoring for Mexico at the World Cup - Raul Jimenez has completed a remarkable comeback.
- BBC SportJun 12, 2026, 12:02 AMFrom near death to World Cup hero - Jimenez's tears for Mexico
From nearly dying on the pitch to scoring for Mexico at the World Cup - Raul Jimenez has completed a remarkable comeback.
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