Mexico launches its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa
Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored as South Africa finished with nine players after three red cards, the most ever in a World Cup opener.
- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, co-host Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup opener at the Estadio Azteca, with Julián Quiñones scoring in the 9th minute and Raúl Jiménez adding a second in the 67th minute.
- This historic tournament, jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, features a record 48 teams competing in 104 matches across the 23rd edition of the World Cup in its nearly 100-year history.
- Referee Wilton Sampaio issued three red cards—to Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane of South Africa, and César Montes of Mexico—marking the first time three players were sent off in a World Cup opening match.
- The red cards force Mexico and South Africa to adjust squad selections for next Thursday's Group A fixtures, with Mexico facing South Korea in Guadalajara while South Africa plays the Czech Republic in Atlanta.
- Thousands of fans celebrated Mexico's victory at the Angel monument in Mexico City, fueling hopes for a deep tournament run as El Tri seeks to improve on its quarterfinal finishes in 1970 and 1986, the only times it hosted.
651 Articles
651 Articles
Mexico's victory over South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup left an image that quickly went viral...
Day one review: Mexican protest, South Africa under fire,...
The first day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come and gone, and it delivered both on and off the pitch in Mexico. This tournament has been preceded by dramatic events and shocking incidents, and Daily Trust will review daily activities as nations begin their quest to capture the World Cup trophy in US, Mexico and Canada. Teachers, activists protest before opening match: Before a ball was kicked, and while the duo of Shakira and Nigeria’s Burna b…
3 Red Cards Mar Opening World Cup Match
The opening match of the World Cup delivered a rarity in international soccer: three players sent off with red cards. No World Cup match has had that many players ejected since a 2006 game between Portugal and the Netherlands, when four players received red cards—a World Cup record. The...
Hawaii Tribune-Herald
West Hawaii TodayMexico gets World Cup party started with win
MEXICO CITY — Mexico got the World Cup party started as the co-hosts swept away South Africa 2-0 on Thursday in a tempestuous clash with three red cards as the pyrotechnic smoke of the opening ceremony gave way to a cloud of red mist at a rocking Azteca stadium. The post Mexico gets World Cup party started with win appeared first on Hawaii Tribune-Herald.
Mexico won in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup against South Africa. The host country even played a game of 11 to 9, before being reduced to 10. In the other game of the group, South Korea dominated the Czech Republic 2-1.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
