Mexico delivered a statement in the 2026 World Cup‘s opening match, dominating South Africa 2-0 at the Azteca Stadium. Julian Quinones struck early, punishing a defensive lapse, before Raul Jimenez added the second with a clinical header. The hosts’ superiority was never in doubt, though numerical advantage after two red cards made the final stages a formality.

With 80,824 filling the stadium where Pelé won his third title and Maradona scored the “Hand of God”, Mexico showed their World Cup ambitions are real. Hosting the tournament for the first time since 1986, the home side made their intentions clear from kick-off.