Nigeria: Mexico beat 9-man South Africa 2-0 in chaotic World Cup opener
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
Mexico launched the 2026 World Cup with a dominant 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, as the tournament’s expanded 48-team format kicked off.
Julian Quiñones scored the opening goal of the tournament in the 9th minute, drilling a low shot through goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams’ legs after South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole was caught in possession. The 80,824-capacity Azteca erupted as Mexico’s fans greeted every completed pass with chants of “Olé!” in the early stages.
South Africa struggled to cope with the atmosphere and went down to 10 men in the 49th minute when Sithole was sent off for bundling over Mexico’s Brian Gutiérrez as he broke through on goal. Mexico doubled the lead in the 67th minute through a fine counter-attack finished by Roberto Alvarado’s cross and a header from Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raúl Jiménez at the far post.
It got worse for Bafana Bafana in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane was shown a red card after a VAR review for raising an arm into Alvarado’s face. Mexico were also reduced to 10 in stoppage time when defender César Montes was sent off for a clumsy challenge on Khulisa Mudau on the edge of the penalty area.
The win gives co-hosts Mexico a strong start in Group A of the biggest World Cup in history. South Africa, meanwhile, face an uphill task after a disjointed performance and two dismissals.
