Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico on June 11, 2026.
The Group A clash saw three red cards (two for South Africa, one for Mexico) in the second half.
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Incidentally, Mexico and South Africa had also met in the 2010 World Cup opening game on June 11, 2010, at Soccer City in Johannesburg, which ended 1-1.
Group A has Mexico, South Africa, Czechia and South Korea.
Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico on June 11, 2026.
The Group A clash saw three red cards (two for South Africa, one for Mexico) in the second half. Julian Quinones scored for Mexico in the 9th minute at the majestic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where more than 114,000 people watched Diego Maradona’s Argentina beat West Germany in a five-goal thriller to lift the World Cup in 1986.
In Focus Podcast | FIFA World Cup preview: Who will take home the trophy?
Yaya Sithole received a red card in the 50th minute, reducing South Africa to 10 men to put further pressure on the African side that has struggled under pressure from the Mexican players. But there were more red cards for Themba Zwane and Mexico’s Cesar Montes.
Raúl Jiménez scored a header in the 67th minute to seal the game for the host nation, which takes three points.
Incidentally, Mexico and South Africa had also met in the 2010 World Cup opening game on June 11, 2010, at Soccer City in Johannesburg, which ended 1-1.
Group A has Mexico, South Africa, Czechia and South Korea. Mexico starts as the favourite to top the pool. South Africa is ranked 60th, the lowest in the group.
