- Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez helped Mexico beat South Africa 2-0.
- The match witnessed three red cards with South Africa receiving two.
Mexico kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in a high-tempo opener that delivered early drama, tactical battles and costly defensive lapses for Bafana Bafana.
The match began at a frenetic pace with Mexico immediately on the front foot. In the 4th minute, Raúl Jiménez came close to breaking the deadlock, only to be denied superbly by Ronwen Williams who pushed his effort behind for a corner.
From the resulting set-piece, South Africa survived another scare as a follow-up shot was bravely blocked by Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
However, the pressure eventually told. In the 9th minute, a defensive lapse at the back allowed Julián Quiñones to fire past Williams and give Mexico a deserved lead, his third international goal.
The midfield battle intensified, with Teboho Mokoena picking up the first yellow card of the tournament in the 17th minute. Mexico nearly doubled their advantage shortly after when Quiñones unleashed a long-range effort that rattled the side netting.
South Africa showed moments of promise through Lyle Foster, who had a decent opportunity in the 33rd minute but failed to keep his effort on target. At the other end, Williams continued to keep his side in the contest, making a crucial stop to deny Jiménez again in the 34th minute.
Despite a late first-half push from South Africa, Mexico almost added a second when a quick exchange involving Quiñones and Brian Gutiérrez ended with a missed chance in stoppage time, sending the game into halftime at 1-0.
The second half began at high intensity. Williams was forced into another save in the 47th minute, before South Africa’s task became harder when Sithole was shown a straight red card in the 49th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, the first red card of the tournament.
Mexico dominated thereafter and their pressure paid off in the 66th minute when Jiménez powered home a brilliant header to double the lead.
South Africa tried to respond through substitutions, introducing fresh legs including Themba Zwane and Evidence Makgopa, but their rhythm was constantly disrupted. The situation worsened when Zwane was later sent off after a VAR review, leaving Bafana Bafana down to nine men.
Mexico also ended the match with ten men after captain César Montes saw red in stoppage time following a foul on Khuliso Mudau.
Mexico controlled the closing stages to secure a deserved 2-0 victory and a perfect start to their World Cup campaign, while South Africa were left to rue missed chances and costly disciplinary issues.
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Mexico
José Rangel (GK), Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo, Brian Gutiérrez, Erik Lira, Álvaro Fidalgo, Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones.
South Africa
Ronwen Williams (GK), Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khuliso Mudau, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Maphosa Modiba, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster.
