Mexico End Opening-Game Hoodoo With 2-0 Win Over South Africa

Mexico finally broke their World Cup opening-game curse on Thursday, beating South Africa 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca in a chaotic match that saw three players sent off.

Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez gave the co-hosts a winning start to the 2026 tournament, ending a run of seven opening games without a win stretching back decades.

Quinones got Mexico off to a perfect start in the ninth minute, pouncing after Erik Lira dispossessed Sphephelo Sithole on the edge of the box and driving a low shot through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

What a moment for Mexico 🙌 #CopaMundialFIFApic.twitter.com/0GLV9HzS1j

— World Cup 2026 (@WorldCupMedia) June 11, 2026

South Africa's task got significantly harder early in the second half when Sithole was sent off for bringing down Brian Gutierrez as he ran through on goal. Jimenez made the extra man count, heading in from close range after Roberto Alvarado crossed from the right to wrap up the win.

South Africa were reduced to nine men late on when substitute Themba Zwane was dismissed following a VAR review for appearing to strike Alvarado in the face. Mexico also finished with 10 men after Cesar Montes was shown red in stoppage time for a foul on Khuliso Mudau.

Jimenez, 35, was visibly emotional after scoring his first World Cup goal, having suffered a fractured skull back in 2020 that threatened to end his career.

There was another notable moment when 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora came on, becoming the second youngest player ever to appear at a World Cup finals, behind only Pele, who was also 17 when he played for Brazil in 1958.

The game was preceded by a colourful opening ceremony at the Azteca, including a performance by Shakira, with fans packing the famous old stadium for the country's first home World Cup in 40 years.