Mexico defeats nine-man South Africa in World Cup opener
Jimenez later headed in Mexico’s second goal, while South Africa absorbed another setback after Themba Zwane was dismissed for a high challenge on Roberto Alvarado.
Friday June 12, 2026
Raul Jimenez (up C) and Jesus Gallardo (up L) of Mexico vie for a header during the match. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)
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Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez struck in either half as co-host Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa on Thursday.
Quinones pounced on a turnover to put Mexico ahead early in the Group A contest, and South Africa’s task grew tougher when Sphephelo Sithole was shown a red card for dragging down Brian Gutierrez.
Jimenez later headed in Mexico’s second goal, while South Africa absorbed another setback after Themba Zwane was dismissed for a high challenge on Roberto Alvarado.
Mexico, too, ended the night short-handed after defender Cesar Montes was sent off for a harsh challenge on Khuliso Mudau.
Carried by a partisan crowd of more than 80,000 at Mexico City Stadium, El Tri seized control from the opening whistle.
The Colombia-born Quinones broke the deadlock in the ninth minute, drilling a low finish through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after Erik Lira’s pressure forced the mistake.
Mexico dictated possession and repeatedly carved openings in South Africa’s back line, especially in the closing stages of the first half.
Quinones came closest to doubling the advantage in the 42nd minute, but his low effort struck the far post and bounced away.
Jimenez also kept the African side under pressure, forcing Williams into two sharp reflex saves.
South Africa managed only one shot on target before halftime, a weak effort from Mbekezeli Mbokazi that was comfortably gathered by Raul Rangel.
Mexico carried the same urgency into the second half. Alvaro Fidalgo produced a slick piece of footwork inside the box but chose to square the ball instead of shooting, and Brian Gutierrez later sent a long-range effort from 25 yards over the crossbar.
Sithole collected the tournament’s first red card after clattering into Gutierrez while the midfielder was running through on goal.
Jimenez doubled the lead in the 67th minute, meeting Roberto Alvarado’s precise cross with a firm header.
With emotions running high late on, Zwane and Montes were both dismissed as Mexico wrapped up its first-ever win in an opening World Cup match.
