Mexico player ratings vs South Africa: El Tri has lift off! Julian Quinones stars while Raul Jimenez ends long wait for World Cup goal as co-hosts ease to victory in opening game
Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez secured the win in a match marked by three second-half red cards.
Why it matters
This match serves as the high-profile kickoff for the 2026 World Cup, setting the tone for the tournament hosted by Mexico, the US, and Canada.
Mexico made the perfect start to their 2026 World Cup campaign as the co-hosts ran out 2-0 winners over South Africa in the opening game of the tournament on Thursday. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez ensured a routine victory for the Group A favourites in a game that featured three red cards in the second half.
Straightforward sports reporting focused on match events and player performance.
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