FIFA World Cup 2026 Stats Mexico vs South Africa

Published 12 June 2026 · sports

Mexico vs South Africa: Full-Time Score Live Events Mexico vs South Africa Match Stats Biggest Talking Points From the Match What the Result Means for

Mexico vs South Africa: Full-Time Score Live Events Mexico vs South Africa Match Stats Biggest Talking Points From the Match What the Result Means for Group A Why the Victory Matters Mexico vs South Africa: Quick Stats Snapshot Stat Mexico South Africa Goals 2 0 Result Win Loss Red Cards 1 2 Points Earned 3 0 Clean Sheet Yes No as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Addas a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Mexico made the perfect start to its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, defeating South Africa 2-0 in the tournament's opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca.The victory was significant for more than just the three points.

It ended Mexico's long-standing struggles in World Cup openers and gave the hosts early control of Group A. The match also produced a World Cup-opening-game record, with three players shown red cards.Mexico 2-0 South AfricaJulián Quiñones (Mexico)Raúl Jiménez (Mexico)Quiñones opened the scoring early in the match to become one of the first stars of the 2026 World Cup, while veteran striker Jiménez added a second-half goal to seal the victory.Final Score: Mexico 2-0 South AfricaGoals: Mexico 2, South Africa 0Red Cards: 3Mexico Red Cards: 1South Africa Red Cards: 2Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico CityTournament: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group ASphephelo Sithole (South Africa)Themba Zwane (South Africa)César Montes (Mexico)The three dismissals made history, setting a record for the most red cards ever shown in a World Cup opening match.Before facing South Africa, Mexico had gone seven World Cup opening matches without a victory.That unwanted streak ended in front of a packed home crowd as El Tri delivered a disciplined and confident performance.

The result immediately boosts expectations for the co-host nation.For Jiménez, the goal carried extra meaning. The experienced striker scored his first-ever World Cup goal despite appearing in multiple editions of the tournament. It was one of the emotional highlights of the opening night.South Africa's hopes of a comeback were badly damaged by two second-half red cards.Playing with nine men for the closing stages made the task nearly impossible against a Mexico side that controlled

possession and managed the game effectively.The win puts Mexico at the top end of Group A after Matchday 1 and gives Javier Aguirre's side valuable momentum.Mexico collects its first three pointsClean sheet to start the tournamentEnds a historic opening-match droughtGains an early advantage in Group ABuilds confidence ahead of tougher testsMexico's next challenge comes against South Korea, while South Africa will need a positive result in its upcoming fixture to keep its knockout-stage hopes alive.