Mexico launches its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa
Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored as South Africa finished with nine players after three red cards, the most ever in a World Cup opener.
- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, co-host Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup opener at the Estadio Azteca, with Julián Quiñones scoring in the 9th minute and Raúl Jiménez adding a second in the 67th minute.
- This historic tournament, jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, features a record 48 teams competing in 104 matches across the 23rd edition of the World Cup in its nearly 100-year history.
- Referee Wilton Sampaio issued three red cards—to Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane of South Africa, and César Montes of Mexico—marking the first time three players were sent off in a World Cup opening match.
- The red cards force Mexico and South Africa to adjust squad selections for next Thursday's Group A fixtures, with Mexico facing South Korea in Guadalajara while South Africa plays the Czech Republic in Atlanta.
- Thousands of fans celebrated Mexico's victory at the Angel monument in Mexico City, fueling hopes for a deep tournament run as El Tri seeks to improve on its quarterfinal finishes in 1970 and 1986, the only times it hosted.
651 Articles
651 Articles
Mexico fans flooded the streets to celebrate a massive World Cup victory, but one viral video of a unique supporter completely stole the show
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has officially kicked off, and if the first day is any indication, we are in for an absolutely wild ride. According to TMZ, while the match results are obviously the main event, the real story coming out of Mexico City is a viral video of an adorable duck wearing a Mexico jersey. This little guy was seen waddling right through the middle of the massive crowds, and honestly, it is the best thing I have seen all year. The t…
Mexico's victory over South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup left an image that quickly went viral...
Day one review: Mexican protest, South Africa under fire,...
The first day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come and gone, and it delivered both on and off the pitch in Mexico. This tournament has been preceded by dramatic events and shocking incidents, and Daily Trust will review daily activities as nations begin their quest to capture the World Cup trophy in US, Mexico and Canada. Teachers, activists protest before opening match: Before a ball was kicked, and while the duo of Shakira and Nigeria’s Burna b…
Mexico Opens 2026 World Cup with Statement win on Home Soil
Mexico came into the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations, and on Thursday night, they delivered everything their fans had been waiting for. The biggest World Cup in history had its opening night. And it was exactly as loud, dramatic and emotional as anyone could have hoped. Shakira and Burna Boy perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. (Photo | Getty Images) Before a ball was kicked, Shakira took to the…
3 Red Cards Mar Opening World Cup Match
The opening match of the World Cup delivered a rarity in international soccer: three players sent off with red cards. No World Cup match has had that many players ejected since a 2006 game between Portugal and the Netherlands, when four players received red cards—a World Cup record. The...
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