This match signaled the beginning of the four-yearly spectacle, yet it is likely to be remembered more for the chaotic dismissals than for captivating football.
Julian Quinones’s early goal set the pace for a dominant performance from Mexico in the Group A clash, with Raul Jimenez’s header midway through the second half alleviating any remaining anxiety for the local fans.
However, South Africa was reduced to ten players when Sphephelo Sithole received a red card early in the second half, with teammate Themba Zwane following suit before Cesar Montes of Mexico was dismissed in the final moments.
This heated match dampened an otherwise celebratory atmosphere, but the local crowd still got to enjoy an opening victory that positions them favorably to advance from a group also featuring South Korea and the Czech Republic.
Despite the win, Mexico’s exacting coach Javier Aguirre was not fully satisfied with his team’s performance.
“This was a 4-0 match; we didn’t play well enough, but people are happy,” he informed journalists. “It’s the start of the World Cup – we’ve overcome the nerves and secured three points. Now we focus on what’s ahead.”
Aguirre’s squad will next face South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18, while South Africa will take on the Czech Republic in Atlanta.
Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group A – Mexico v South Africa – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico – June 11, 2026 Mexico’s Raul Jimenez celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski
DAY OF FIRSTS
The day marked several milestones for the World Cup, being the first edition with 48 teams and the first to take place in three nations, commencing in the stadium that has hosted three World Cup openers.
It was appropriate that Mexico seized a first victory in the tournament’s inaugural match after seven previous attempts, and it was also the first World Cup opener to feature three red cards.
This match replayed the 2010 opening when South Africa drew 1-1 with Mexico in Johannesburg, yet this occasion unfolded in a venue rich with World Cup heritage.
The Azteca has been the backdrop for some of the sport’s most legendary moments, from Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ to Pele’s dominating Brazilian team of 1970.
While Thursday’s match did not showcase such iconic play, the enthusiastic sea of green-clad fans were already in high spirits before the match commenced.
Played against a backdrop of protests threatening to disrupt Mexico City, supporters ensured they were present early, with many arriving nearly seven hours before kickoff.
MEXICO GET OFF TO FAST START
An opening ceremony featuring Shakira and Burna Boy performing the World Cup anthem further energized the crowd before Mexico swiftly engaged in play.
The game was just minutes old when Jimenez tested South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with a volley from 12 yards, but the opening goal followed shortly after.
Sithole was stripped of the ball near his own box by Lira, who was favored in midfield over captain Edson Alvarez, quickly passing to Quinones, who skillfully maneuvered and placed a low shot past Williams.
South Africa struggled to maintain composure as the first half concluded, and the second began similarly.
Brian Gutierrez claimed the first red card when his advancing run towards the box was halted by Sithole, whose reckless tackle from behind resulted in his dismissal, marking a disastrous outing for the midfielder.
Frustration began to grow in the crowd as Mexico failed to convert their numerical advantage into an additional goal, but that tension was lifted when Jimenez netted his inaugural World Cup goal with a powerful downward header from a tricky cross by Roberto Alvarado.
The match’s conclusion was overshadowed by the dismissals, with Zwane receiving a red card after a VAR check for a suspected arm to the face, while Montes was penalized for Mexico for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
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