Mexico kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a deserved win, defeating South Africa 2-0 at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
The victory was significant for the tournament’s co-hosts, as it took their unbeaten streak in FIFA World Cup opening games to eight. Julian Quinones and Rual Jimenez were the heroes for Mexico as the duo scored a goal each in either half to put the north American side at the summit of their group.
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While Mexico got the victory, the major talking point was the disciplinary carnage from both teams as three players were given their marching orders. Red cards to Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane saw South Africa finish the game with nine men, while Mexico defender Cesar Montes was sent off in injury time.
Speaking after the clash, former Mexico striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, who is currently part of Fox Sports team at the FIFA World Cup, expressed his delight at the result. However, he suggested that the red card to Montes could unsettle the Mexican national team.
“It was crucial,” Hernandez said. “This the correct way to start this World Cup: with your people, scoring two goals, maintaining the clean sheet. Even though that sent off with Montes is going to be difficult for the team, it’s all positives. And you see this fanbase. We all can celebrate, finally. Now we’re thinking about the next game.”
Chicharito had emphasized the importance of a strong start on the big stage in an interview with FIFA last month, believing it could help with a deep run in the tournament.
While the former Manchester United man has not officially retired, he last played football in 2025 and has not played for El Tri since 2019. Mexico are placed in Group A and will face South Korea in their next World Cup outing.
“It means so much more” – Hernandez on Quinones’s first FIFA World Cup goal for Mexico
Quinones made history on Thursday, joining a list of players to score the opening goal of a World Cup following his ninth-minute strike against South Africa. It is the forward’s debut appearance in the FIFA World Cup, with the strike being the third earliest goal in the competition’s opening game since 2006. He was subsequently named Man of the Match for his impressive performance.
“It’s his first goal in a World Cup, his first starting as well over there, and with that very special meaning. I think we are all very touched by that, because our main striker goals a goal and it means so much more than just a simple goal at the World Cup,” Hernandez added.
In the 79 minutes Quinones spent on the pitch, he completed more take-ons (5), had more shots (5), had more shots on target (2), and created two chances.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide
