Mexico vs South Africa Score: Mexico Opens World Cup With 2-0 Win

Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking three points in Group A behind goals from Julian Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. The game in Mexico City ended with South Africa down to nine men and Mexico down to 10 after three second-half red cards.

Final score and scorers

FIFA’s match report and Reuters both listed Quiñones and Jiménez as Mexico’s scorers in the tournament opener.

Quiñones scored the first goal in the ninth minute after Erik Lira won the ball near the South Africa box. Jiménez made it 2-0 in the 67th minute, heading in a Roberto Alvarado cross at the far post.

The result gave Mexico a winning start in Group A and a cleaner opening than the teams’ 2010 World Cup meeting, when South Africa and Mexico drew 1-1 in Johannesburg.

Red cards changed the match

The game turned sharply early in the second half. South Africa midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was sent off after bringing down Brian Gutiérrez near the edge of the box.

Themba Zwane was shown a red card in the 84th minute after a video review for striking Roberto Alvarado, according to AP and Reuters. Mexico defender César Montes was dismissed in stoppage time for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.

AP reported that it was the first World Cup opener to feature three straight red cards. The three dismissals also affect the next round of Group A matches, with AP reporting that Sithole, Zwane and Montes will be suspended for at least one more game.

Where Group A stands

Mexico finished its first match with three points and a plus-two goal difference. South Africa left the opener without a point and with suspension concerns for its next game.

South Korea also opened with a win in Group A, beating Czechia 2-1 in Guadalajara. That left Mexico and South Korea level on three points after the first round of group matches, with Czechia and South Africa still looking for their first points.

Mexico and South Africa next matches

Mexico’s next Group A match is against South Korea on Thursday, June 18, at Guadalajara Stadium. FOX lists kickoff at 9 p.m. ET.

South Africa next plays Czechia on Thursday, June 18, at Atlanta Stadium. The Atlanta World Cup host committee lists that match for 12 p.m. ET.

Mexico closes group play against Czechia on June 24 in Mexico City, while South Africa faces South Korea the same day in Monterrey, according to FOX’s Group A schedule.

What to watch next

The score is final, but disciplinary details can still matter for both teams. Additional FIFA action, if announced, could affect Mexico’s defense against South Korea or South Africa’s lineup against Czechia.

This article will be updated if FIFA or team officials announce further discipline, lineup changes tied to the red cards or schedule changes for the next Group A matches.