Mexico Kick Off World Cup 2026 With 2-0 Win Over South Africa

The 2026 World Cup roared to life as co-hosts Mexico opened the tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the historic Estadio Azteca. Raul Jimenez and Julian Quinones supplied the goals in front of a raucous home crowd, getting the expanded 48-team event off to a celebratory start. The match was far from straightforward, though: South Africa had two players sent off, and Mexico themselves finished a man down after a late red card. Despite the chaos, El Tri controlled the contest and gave their supporters plenty to cheer about. The win set an early tone for a tournament that has since delivered goals in nearly every fixture. For Mexico, opening on home soil with three points and a clean sheet was the ideal way to begin their campaign. With passionate crowds and high stakes, the co-hosts will hope this is the foundation of a deep and memorable run on home turf."