MEXICO CITY — Saudi Pro League top scorer Julián Quiñones and veteran striker Raúl Jiménez scored as co-host Mexico opened FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-0 victory over South Africa before a capacity crowd of 80,824 at the Azteca Stadium on Thursday.
Quiñones gave Mexico the lead in the ninth minute, becoming the first goalscorer of the tournament, before Jiménez doubled the advantage with a header in the 66th minute.
South Africa’s task became more difficult after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off, leaving the Africans to finish the Group A clash with nine players.
Mexico defender César Montes also received a red card deep into stoppage time.
Jiménez’s goal was the 46th of his international career, moving him level with Jared Borgetti as Mexico’s second-highest scorer of all time, six behind Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.
The match also marked a World Cup debut for Quiñones, the Colombia-born forward who was among six Mexico starters making their first appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
Mexico, looking to bounce back from its group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, moved to the top of Group A with three points and will face South Korea next Thursday in Guadalajara. South Africa will take on the Czech Republic in Atlanta on the same day.
Source: Saudi Gazette