Recap: Mexico beats South Africa 2-0 in FIFA World Cup opener

The 2026 opening match was the same from 2010, though this time El Tri emerged victorious.

Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the ninth minute after South Africa cheaply conceded possession in its own defensive third.
Quinones also hit the post in the 42nd minute before setting up Brian Gutierrez well shortly after, but none resulted in a second goal.
South African midfielder Sphephelo Sithole received a red card in the 49th minute for denying a goal-scoring opportunity as Brian Gutierrez broke free on goal after a lobbed pass.
Veteran striker Raul Jimenez scored the second in the 67th minute off a free header at the back post, getting his long-awaited World Cup moment.
The game had a total of three red cards, as South African midfielder Themba Zwane and Mexican defender Cesar Montes also went out in the second half.
El Tri opened the tournament as the No. 14-ranked nation, per FIFA, while South Africa comes in at No. 60.
Mexico is favored to win and advance from a Group A that also features South Korea and Czechia, with South Africa the biggest underdogs of the four.
El Tri's squad is highlighted by veterans like Raul Jimenez, Julián Quiñones, Luis Chavez and more, with Gilberto Mora and Brian Gutierrez as some youngsters to watch. The Bafana Bafana aren't as talented, but young center-back Mbekezeli Mbozaki could be a breakout player to watch.

This live blog on the Mexico-South Africa 2026 World Cup opener has ended. Follow here for more coverage.