Quiñones makes history as Mexico down nine-man South Africa

Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup as hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a fiery opener that saw three red cards. How the Azteca night unfolded.

The 2026 World Cup kicked off in style at the Estadio Azteca, where hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a fiery, ill-tempered opener to get their tournament off to a winning start.

Julián Quiñones wrote his name into the record books in the eighth minute, scoring the first goal of the 2026 World Cup with a composed finish inside the box. Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead in the 66th minute, and from there the result was never in doubt.

The night turned ugly. South Africa finished with nine men after Yaya Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute and Themba Zwane followed in the 83rd. Mexico's César Montes saw red deep in stoppage time (90'+1'), but by then the points were long secured.

The numbers underlined Mexican control: 16 shots to three, and 532 passes to 341. Reduced to nine men for the final stretch, South Africa did well to keep the scoreline respectable, but they were second best throughout.

For Mexico, it is three points and top of Group A — the perfect start in front of a roaring home crowd. For South Africa, it is a chastening night and a disciplinary mess to clean up before their next outing.

For fans across Africa and here in Kenya, it was a tough watch: South Africa's indiscipline cost them, and the gap in quality was plain. But the World Cup is up and running, and the Azteca delivered the drama.