Mexico 2-0 South Africa: Quinones and Jimenez shine in opening win

Mexico made the perfect start to their 2026 World Cup, beating South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored, and three red cards were shown in the second half. Mexico nearly led inside five minutes when Israel Reyes picked out Jimenez, whose first-time effort was well parried by Ronwen Williams.

The breakthrough came after nine minutes when Erik Lira won possession 20 yards out and Quinones ran onto the ball to fire through Williams' legs; he later hit the post and created several other openings. South Africa were reduced to ten early in the second half when Sphephelo Sithole was sent off for bringing down Bryan Gutierrez as he bore down on goal.

Jimenez then rose highest to meet Roberto Alvarado's cross and mark his first World Cup start with a goal. The match finished with Themba Zwane shown a red card for hitting Alvarado and Mexico captain Cesar Montes also dismissed for a late foul on Khuliso Mudao.

mexico, south africa, 2026, world cup, julian quinones, raul jimenez, red cards, erik lira, ronwen williams, roberto alvarado