Mexico wins 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match

In the first match of Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico hosted South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium. In the 9th minute of the match, officiated by Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio, Erik Lira intercepted the ball following a defensive error and passed to Julian Quinones, who sent the ball into the net as soon as he entered the penalty area, giving the host team a 1-0 lead.

In the 42nd minute, a shot by Julian Quinones hit the post and returned to the field of play, and the first half ended with Mexico leading 1-0. In the 49th minute, Brian Gutierrez, who met the ball behind the defense, was brought down by Sphephelo Sithole just as he was about to enter the penalty area; referee Sampaio showed Sithole a straight red card, leaving South Africa with 10 men.

In the 67th minute, Raul Jimenez headed the ball into the net from a cross by Roberto Alvarado from the right wing, bringing the score to 2-0.

In the 84th minute, Themba Zwane was shown a card, leaving South Africa with 9 men, while in the 90+2nd minute, Mexico's Montes was sent off with a red card. At the end of 90 minutes, Mexico left the field with a 2-0 victory and started the World Cup with a win.