Chaos at Azteca as Mexico beat South Africa 2–0
TDT | Manama
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Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2–0 victory over South Africa in an eventful Group A clash at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City yesterday. The match was defined by early errors, a landmark Raúl Jimenez goal, and the unprecedented spectacle of three dismissals in a World Cup opening fixture.
The co-hosts started the brighter of the two sides and took an early lead in the ninth minute, capitalising on a costly South African mistake in their own half. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams attempted a short pass into midfield, but Yaya Sithole’s heavy touch allowed Erik Lira to pounce and create the opening. Julian Quinones made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to give Mexico a deserved lead.
South Africa’s problems deepened immediately after the restart when Sithole’s difficult evening went from bad to worse. Brian Gutierrez broke through on goal and was brought down just outside the penalty area, with the midfielder shown a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, South Africa attempted to stay aggressive in moments, but Mexico continued to control possession and dictate the tempo of the match.
The hosts eventually doubled their advantage in the 67th minute through Raúl Jimenez, who marked his first World Cup start with a memorable goal. Roberto Alvarado delivered an inch-perfect cross from the right, and Jiménez rose highest to head home in a significant moment for the striker. It was a powerful reminder of his return to elite football after suffering a serious skull fracture and brain injury in 2020.
South Africa’s night deteriorated further in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane was sent off for an off-the-ball incident, striking Alvarado in the face and leaving Bafana Bafana with nine men.
Mexico also finished the match with 10 players after Cesar Montes was shown a straight red card in stoppage time for bringing down Khuliso Mudau during a late attacking move.
The hosts, however, remained in control until the final whistle to secure a convincing opening win, while South Africa were left to reflect on a match heavily shaped by individual errors and disciplinary setbacks.
Looking ahead, Mexico will face South Korea on June 19 at 4am, while South Africa meet the Czech Republic later the same day at 7pm. Both times are in Bahrain time.
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