Mexico began their 2026 World Cup campaign at a renovated Estadio Azteca in front of 80,000, a crowd that was almost exclusively El Tri supporters backing the host nation. Against South Africa, returning to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010 they got off to a confident start, winning 2-0 and practically securing passage to the knockout phase in this expanded 48 team tournament.
Julian Quinones Stars for Mexico
Julian Quinones was the man of the match. the naturalized player who was born in Colombia, and plays for Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League was a constant threat and a spark plug for El Tri against the Bafana Bafana. Quinones capitalized on an error playing out the back by South Africa in the 9th minute, and scored Mexico’s opening World Cup goal. After a fantastic opening ceremony, it only took Mexico 9 minutes to find a coveted goal.
With that goal, Quinones is the first CONCACAF player to score the first goal in a World Cup, and helped Mexico finally secure a win in an opening World Cup match. In 79 minutes, Quinones created 5 shots and was the danger man.
Raul Jimenez Adds to His Tally for El Tri
El Tri Striker Raul Jimenez just rejoined Wolverhampton Wolves, and his second half header helped him move closer to being the all-time top scorer for the Mexican national team. In the 67th minute, Jimenez scored off a Roberto Alvarado assist and secured the 3 points for Mexico. While Mexico fans likely wanted to see more goals, the 2-0 start for Javier ‘Vasco’ Aguirre puts Mexico nearly in the knockout phase of the tournament already. Teenager Gilberto Mora also got minutes in the midfield.
Red Cards, and Tactical Problems Hinder South Africa
South Africa played a poor match and practically handed the result to Mexico. Playing nervously, with manager Hugo Broos coming out with new, and very defensive 5-3-2 formation against a tepid Mexico team, they were never in the game. Mexico had 16 shots on goal, South Africa produced just three and they were constantly dispossessed in the midfield by Mexico’s Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), who had a fantastic match.
Burnley’s Lyle Foster didn’t get service in the match, and only goalkeeper Ronwen Williams can be particularly proud of his performance. Midfielder Siphephelo Sithole was red carded by an aggressive Wilton Pereira Sampaio in the 49th minute. When South Africa went into the half down 1-0, they still had hope, but after that last man red card, they were left to defend and hope to avoid a goal differential collapse.
Ahead of their match against Czechia, questions will be asked about Broos tactics and cautious approach. South Africa’s Themba Zwane was also red carded, so there will be at least two lineup changes for South Africa in the next match, and likely more as many of the attacking options were left on the bench by Broos.
For Mexico, Cesar Montes was red carded late in a controversial call and will need to be replaced in the CB role. Mexico’s next match will be against South Korea, a result in that match would confirm their place in the knockout phase of the tournament.
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
