Mexico opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament’s opening match at Azteca Stadium before nearly 80,000 fans.

Julián Quiñones scored in the ninth minute before Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead in the 67th minute.

The match featured three red cards—two for South Africa and one for Mexico—making it the World Cup opening match with the highest number of dismissals in tournament history.

The victory temporarily moved Mexico to the top of Group A.