SPORTS: Mexico Defeat South Africa 2-0 To Open 2026 World Cup In Style

By Onoja Baba

Co-hosts Mexico began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a winning note, defeating South Africa 2-0 in the tournament’s opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday night.

Playing before a capacity crowd of more than 80,000 spectators, Javier Aguirre’s side delivered a disciplined and energetic performance to secure all three points in the first Group A encounter of the expanded 48-team World Cup.

The victory was particularly significant for Mexico, which had never won an opening match in its previous World Cup appearances despite hosting the tournament twice before, in 1970 and 1986. The result also avenged the frustration of the 2010 World Cup opener in Johannesburg, where Mexico and South Africa played out a 1-1 draw.

Mexico made a bright start and was rewarded in the eighth minute when forward Julián Quiñones capitalized on defensive hesitation to put the hosts ahead. The early goal electrified the atmosphere inside the historic stadium, which became the first venue in football history to host opening matches at three different FIFA World Cups.

The hosts continued to dominate possession and create chances through experienced striker Raúl Jiménez and a lively midfield led by Érik Lira and Álvaro Fidalgo. South Africa, returning to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, struggled to cope with Mexico’s pressing game and the intimidating atmosphere created by the home supporters.

Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced several impressive saves to keep his side in contention for much of the contest, but the South Africans were unable to establish sustained attacking pressure against the Mexican defence.

Any hopes of a comeback suffered a major setback in the closing stages as South Africa’s discipline collapsed. The visitors finished the match with nine men after referee interventions and video assistant referee reviews resulted in dismissals, including a red card shown to veteran midfielder Themba Zwane.

Mexico eventually sealed the victory with a second goal late in the encounter, ensuring a comfortable start to a tournament in which the hosts are seeking to advance beyond the round of 16 for the first time since 1986.

The match marked the official commencement of the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 nations and 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Before kick-off, a colourful opening ceremony featuring international music stars and cultural performances celebrated the beginning of the month-long football festival.

The result places Mexico at the top of Group A, which also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic. South Africa, meanwhile, will be under pressure to secure positive results in its remaining group matches if it hopes to reach the knockout stages for the first time in the nation’s history.

Speaking before the match, South Africa coach Hugo Broos had described the encounter as crucial to his team’s qualification hopes, while Mexico entered the tournament unbeaten in eight matches under Aguirre.

On the evidence of Thursday’s performance, the hosts appear determined to make home advantage count as the race for football’s biggest prize gathers momentum.