FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico Begin with Dominant Win, Beat South Africa 2-0 at Azteca

Mexico City: Host Mexico started the FIFA World Cup 2026 in a filmy style. The Estadio Azteca stadium was full, and Mexico defeated South Africa 2–0 at home. 3 straight points in Group A. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored the goals. But the real talk of the match is due to the 3 red cards. South Africa was playing with only 9 players till the end of the match.

Had Mexico nailed the game from the start?

There was noise from 80 thousand Mexican fans in the stadium. Mexico attacked from the first minute. South Africa's defense fell asleep in the 9th minute itself. Julian Quinones got the chance and scored the first goal of the tournament. After that Mexico did not move its feet. South Africa was not given any breathing room.

When did South Africa's troubles begin?

South Africa was behind 1-0 in the first half, that was fine. The real blow came in the 50th minute. Straight red card for Spphelo Sithole. The team disintegrated as soon as 1 player was reduced. Mexico sensed this and took complete control of the game. Africa could not survive in 10 vs 11.

How did Jimenez seal the victory? 

The story ends in the 67th minute. South Africa had only 10 players, Mexico was attacking continuously. The cross came and Raul Jimenez hit a wonderful header. This was his first goal in the World Cup. As soon as it became 2-0, celebrations started in the stadium. Consider the match over there.

Why were 3 red cards shown?

The match heated up in the last 10 minutes. Themba Zwane made a violent tackle in the 84th minute. The referee did not give a penalty, instead showed a straight red card. South Africa reached 9. And in injury time, Mexico's Cesar Montes also jumped into the fight. They were also shown the way out. 3 red cards in the very first match of the tournament, a strong record in the World Cup.

Why is this victory special for Mexico?

Because Mexico's opening match record has always been poor. Earlier they were not able to win even playing at home. This time the jinx was broken. This was the first match of the new format of 48 teams. Win at home, in front of the fans. The confidence of the team will now be at its peak.

Now what next?

The mathematics of Group A changed. Mexico's next match is against South Korea. If the team wins, then knockout is almost certain. South Africa's tension increased. They now have to face Czech Republic. After the first defeat, every match is like a knockout for them.