Mexico banished memories of their disappointing 2022 campaign and ignited hopes of a deep run on home soil by defeating South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at a packed Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
In front of 80,824 passionate fans, co-hosts Mexico embraced the pressure of launching the first-ever 48-team World Cup with an impressive victory that also featured three red cards.
Goals from Julian Quinones and veteran striker Raul Jimenez ensured Javier Aguirre's side opened their Group A campaign with three points and renewed belief that history could repeat itself.
Quinones and Jimenez Deliver
Mexico struck early when Quinones, the Colombian-born forward who finished as the Saudi Pro League's top scorer this season, punished a South African error in the ninth minute to score the first goal of the tournament.
The hosts continued to dominate and doubled their lead in the 66th minute when Jimenez powered home a header for his 46th international goal. It was also the 35-year-old's first goal in three World Cup appearances.
The strike saw Jimenez draw level with Jared Borgetti as Mexico's joint second-highest scorer, six goals behind all-time leader Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.
"We didn't play well in the first half, but we could have gone into the break leading 3-0 and nobody would have complained because we were far superior," Aguirre said. "In the second half, it felt like we relaxed a bit, but starting with a win is good, and we can certainly improve."
Home Hopes Rekindled
The victory represented an encouraging response to Mexico's group-stage exit in Qatar four years ago, which ended a run of seven consecutive appearances in the last 16.
Mexico's two previous quarter-final appearances at the World Cup came when they hosted the tournament in 1970 and 1986, and Aguirre — who played in the latter campaign — believes his young side now understands the magnitude of playing at home.
"I made an effort to explain to them what a World Cup and an opening match on home soil meant, but they had to experience it for themselves," Aguirre said.
South Africa's hopes faded further after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane received red cards, reducing Hugo Broos' side to nine men. Mexico defender Cesar Montes was also sent off in stoppage time, making it the first World Cup opener to feature three dismissals.
Despite the drama, Mexico walked away with the perfect start.
With South Korea up next in Guadalajara, El Tri have taken the first step towards turning home advantage into another memorable World Cup journey.
