Co-hosts Mexico kick off World Cup with dramatic victory
Mexico's forward #16 Julian Quinones, South Africa's defender #20 Khuliso Mudau and Mexico's defender #23 Jesus Gallardo fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP)
Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a drama-filled opening match of the World Cup at the Estadio Azteca on June 11, kicking off the biggest ever edition of the global football extravaganza.
Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament after nine minutes and 35-year-old striker Raul Jimenez headed in Mexico's second goal at the Azteca, which became the first stadium in the world to host games at three World Cups.
Three players were sent off — two from South Africa and one from Mexico — in front of a capacity crowd of 80,000 spectators.
