Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 to kick off 2026 FIFA World Cup

Mexico ignited their World Cup party with a dominant 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa on Thursday as the biggest ever edition of the global footballing showpiece kicked off at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca.

Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament, and veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second as the co-hosts’ bid for qualification from Group A got off to a smooth start.

South Africa, meanwhile, never looked like they were spoiling the opening day fiesta, and finished with only nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off.

The Mexican-colored red, green and white smoke from pre-game fireworks had barely dissipated before Quinones fired the hosts into the lead on nine minutes, drilling a low shot through the legs of South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams.

Mexico’s Raul Jimenez scores a goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. — AFP

A deafening roar cascaded down from the stands of the Azteca, the footballing cathedral that became the only stadium to host games at three different World Cups.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos had warned his players to be ready for the intimidating atmosphere created by a capacity crowd of 80,824 at the imposing concrete arena.

But South Africa’s players looked to have a bad case of stage fright as Mexico’s fans greeted each completed pass with a raucous chorus of “Ole!” in the opening minutes.

Sithole seemed particularly affected, being caught in possession trying to play out of the back for Quinones’ opening goal. His miserable afternoon ended with a 49th-minute dismissal after bundling over Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez when clean through on goal.

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio shows a red card to South African midfielder Themba Zwane during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. — AFP

Mexico rammed home their advantage in the 67th minute, with a fine counterattack culminating in Roberto Alvarado crossing for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jimenez to nod home at the far post.

It got worse for South Africa in the 84th minute when Zwane was dismissed after a VAR review for flinging an arm into the face of Alvarado.

There was still time for late drama when Mexican defender Cesar Montes was shown a red card for a clumsy challenge on Khulisa Mudau on the edge of the penalty area.

The 48-team tournament is also being hosted by the United States and Canada and will feature 104 games, culminating in the final in New Jersey on July 19.

Shakira and Burna Boy warm up spectators at opening ceremony

Colombian pop icon Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy had the spectators out of their seats in the opening ceremony for the World Cup ahead of the opening clash.

Colombian singer, songwriter and producer Shakira performs during the opening ceremony ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. — AFP

Dancers twirled around a giant model of the World Cup trophy while fireworks went off in the historic stadium, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals and has been renovated for this year’s tournament.

In the highlight of the ceremony, Shakira and Burna Boy performed ‘Dai Dai’, the official song of the tournament, bringing roars from the crowd.

J Balvin and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli were among the other performers before kickoff as the noise levels ramped up.

“It’s already a party in Mexico,” Ingrid Orozco, a 40-year-old supporter, told AFP.

“It’s amazing,” said Gustavo Ramrez, 19.

Artists perform during the opening ceremony ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. — AFP ...