World Cup Opener: El Tri Cruise Past Bafana Bafana to Kick Off 2026 Campaign in Style

Co-hosts Mexico launched the 2026 FIFA World Cup in emphatic fashion, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium to extend their unbeaten run in World Cup opening matches to eight games (W6, D2).

With football’s biggest tournament returning to Mexico for the first time in 40 years, the atmosphere inside the historic venue was electric as El Tri and Bafana Bafana took centre stage in the tournament curtain-raiser. The hosts nearly made the perfect start within five minutes when Raúl Jiménez unleashed a powerful low drive, but South African captain Ronwen Williams reacted brilliantly to push the effort behind.

That early warning went unheeded by Hugo Broos’ side, however, as Mexico struck the tournament’s first goal in the ninth minute. A loose touch from Yaya Sithole gifted possession to Julián Quiñones, who raced through and calmly slotted his effort through the legs of Williams, sending the home crowd into celebration. The goal was also the earliest opening goal in a World Cup since Philipp Lahm’s famous strike for Germany in 2006.

Mexico continued to dominate proceedings throughout the first half. Quiñones remained a constant threat, testing Williams from distance, while Roberto Alvarado saw a dangerous cross-shot kept out by the South African goalkeeper. As halftime approached, Mexico came agonisingly close to doubling their lead when Quiñones swept an effort against the base of the post after another slick attacking move.

South Africa needed a strong response after the break but their task became significantly harder just four minutes into the second half. Sithole, already responsible for the turnover that led to the opener, was shown a straight red card for bringing down Brian Gutiérrez as the last man.

With a numerical advantage and momentum firmly on their side, Mexico increased the pressure and eventually found the breakthrough they deserved. In the 67th minute, Jiménez marked his first World Cup start with his maiden goal at the tournament, arriving at the back post to convert Alvarado’s inviting cross and double the hosts’ advantage.

Any hopes of a South African comeback were effectively extinguished late on when substitute Themba Zwane was also dismissed following an altercation with Alvarado, reducing Bafana Bafana to nine men. Mexico were not immune from disciplinary trouble themselves, as captain César Montes received a late red card for a cynical challenge on Khuliso Mudau, but the hosts comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.

The victory gives Javier Aguirre’s men an ideal start to their Group A campaign and sends an early message to their rivals as they chase a place in the knockout rounds. Mexico’s next assignment comes against South Korea, while South Africa will look to bounce back when they face Czechia in a crucial second group match.