June 12, 2026
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said his side had overcome their opening-match nerves after beating nine-man South Africa 2-0 in the World Cup Group A opener at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, but warned they still had plenty to improve.
Julian Quinones fired the co-hosts ahead with a composed finish before Raul Jimenez sealed the win with a second-half header in front of an expectant home crowd.
"This could have been a 4-0 match, but people were happy. It is the start of the World Cup, we left the nerves behind and we go with three points," Aguirre told reporters. "Now we are thinking about what is next."
Mexico were the better side for long spells and played most of the second half with a numerical advantage after South Africa midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was sent off five minutes after the restart for a foul on Brian Gutierrez.
