Julian Quinones (C) of Mexico celebrates scoring with teammates during the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]
MEXICO CITY - Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in each half as co-host Mexico beat nine-man South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday.
Quinones capitalized on a turnover to give his side an early lead in the Group A clash before Sphephelo Sithole received a red card for bringing down Brian Gutierrez.
Jimenez nodded in Mexico's second goal and South Africa suffered a further blow when Themba Zwane was also sent off for a high challenge on Roberto Alvarado.
Players of South Africa gather before the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]
Mexico also finished the match a man down after defender Cesar Montes was dismissed for an ugly challenge on Khuliso Mudau.
Buoyed by strong local support in a crowd of more than 80,000 at Mexico City Stadium, "El Tri" took control from the opening whistle.
Colombia-born forward Quinones broke the deadlock in the ninth minute of the Group A clash, sending a low drive between the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after Erik Lira's pressing forced a turnover.
Jayden Adams (C) of South Africa competes during the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]
Mexico also finished the match a man down after defender Cesar Montes was dismissed for an ugly challenge on Khuliso Mudau.
Buoyed by strong local support in a crowd of more than 80,000 at Mexico City Stadium, "El Tri" took control from the opening whistle.
Colombia-born forward Quinones broke the deadlock in the ninth minute of the Group A clash, sending a low drive between the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after Erik Lira's pressing forced a turnover.
Raul Jimenez (up C) and Jesus Gallardo (up L) of Mexico vie for a header during the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]
South Africa's only shot on target in the first 45 minutes came from Mbekezeli Mbokazi, but his tame effort was comfortably saved by Raul Rangel.
Mexico began the second half with the same intensity as it ended the first. Alvaro Fidalgo showed fancy footwork in the area but laid the ball off when a shot seemed the better option, and Brian Gutierrez then sent a 25-yard drive over the bar.
Sithole earned the tournament's first red card after clattering into Gutierrez when the midfielder was through on goal.
Julian Quinones (up) of Mexico celebrates scoring with teammates during the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]
Jimenez extended the lead in the 67th minute, heading in following Roberto Alvarado's perfectly weighted cross.
Tempers frayed in the final minutes as Zwane and Montes were both sent off as Mexico secured its first ever win in an opening World Cup fixture.
