Mexico vs. South Africa Match Summary | Group Stage - FIFA World Cup 2026™

Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Julian Quiñones (9') and Raúl Jiménez (67') scored the goals for Mexico. Quiñones, the top scorer in the Saudi Professional League, also scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup. Bafana Bafana finished the match with nine men after Sivilo Sitole (49') and Themba Zwane (84') were both sent off. Meanwhile, Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio showed a red card to Mexico's César Montes (90+2').