Mexico Shatters World Cup Curse in Dominant Display Against South Africa

Mexico launched its 2026 World Cup campaign with an exciting and somewhat turbulent 2–0 win over South Africa on Thursday, backed by a roaring home crowd.

El Tri entered the opener on an eight-match unbeaten streak and demonstrated exactly why just nine minutes in, when Julián Quiñones broke the deadlock with a precise right-footed finish that sent the Estadio Azteca into a frenzy.

South Africa never bounced back from the early setback, allowing Mexico to take firm control of the contest. Things unraveled further for the visitors shortly after the break when Yaya Sithole was shown red in the 49th minute, and Raúl Jiménez capitalized immediately, extending the lead just after the hour mark.

The situation deteriorated further for South Africa when Themba Zwane was also dismissed, leaving Mexico in complete control heading into the final whistle — though César Montes also picked up a red card in stoppage time, casting a slight shadow over what was otherwise a historic opening victory for the host nation, who had never previously won a World Cup opener.

One Thing We Can't Ignore

Javier Aguirre headed into Mexico's opener facing several key selection calls, including who would start on the left wing between Quiñones and Alexis Vega. Vega had featured in two of El Tri's three pre-tournament warmup matches, but was left on the bench in favor of Quiñones for the South Africa clash — a decision that paid dividends almost immediately.

The 29-year-old, who claimed the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League Golden Boot ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo while at Al Qadsiah, gave the hosts a dream beginning by netting the opener inside 10 minutes, gliding along the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a shot that slipped through goalkeeper Ronwen Williams's legs and into the net.

Quiñones continued to apply pressure as the first half wore on, standing out as the most threatening player on the field for either side. He appeared set to complete his brace in the 41st minute, only for his low effort to clip the post and go out of play.

The winger was eager to add to his tally in the second half, particularly after South Africa were reduced to 10 men, but he still contributed effectively, creating opportunities for teammates and playing a key role in the buildup to Jiménez's goal.

It was a display that likely secures him the starting berth going forward, with Vega remaining on the bench.

Mexico Player Ratings vs. South Africa (4-1-4-1)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob*

GK: Raúl Rangel—7.5: Showed some nerves the first time he was called into action, rushing off his line and losing his footing to awkwardly palm away a ball he should have comfortably held. Settled down and ended the game well, though he was rarely troubled.

RB: Israel Reyes—7.4: Delivered a steady performance throughout. Unfortunate not to register an assist for his chipped pass to Jiménez in the 41st minute.

CB: César Montes—6.1: Undermined an otherwise solid display by clumsily fouling Khuliso Mudau in stoppage time to earn his dismissal.

CB: Johan Vásquez—7.2: Gave the ball away more than he would have liked, but fulfilled his defensive duties overall. Contributed to limiting South Africa to just two shots on target.

LB: Jesús Gallardo—7.2: Rarely put a foot wrong, though his finishing could use some attention ahead of the next fixture.

DM: Erik Lira—7.9: Spotted Sithole out of position beyond his own 18-yard box and won possession to set up Quiñones's opener. A composed and steadying presence in central midfield.

RW: Roberto Alvarado—8.2: Made his biggest contributions in his own half, diligently tracking back to support Reyes defensively. Delivered a superb ball directly onto Jiménez's head to double Mexico's advantage.

AM: Brian Gutiérrez—6.6: Let himself down with a hasty decision just before halftime, pulling a rushed shot wide rather than picking out Jiménez. Grew into the game in the second half, however, and made the run that drew a reckless challenge from Sithole, resulting in a red card.

AM: Álvaro Fidalgo—7.1: Distributed the ball with accuracy and intelligence. Pounced on an error from Williams right after the interval but was unable to make it count.

LW: Julián Quiñones—8.8: Brimming with confidence. Exploited Sithole's defensive lapse and coolly slotted home a right-footed strike to put Mexico ahead early. Was denied a second goal by the woodwork.

ST: Raúl Jiménez—8.0: Seemed destined to wait longer for his first World Cup goal after Williams produced a couple of fine saves, but finally had his moment when he headed home Mexico's second to seal the result.

SUB: Luis Chávez (66' for Gutiérrez)—6.5: Integrated into the game smoothly without drawing much attention. Neat in possession.

SUB: Gilberto Mora (66' for Fidalgo)—6.3: Kept his passing clean on his World Cup debut but failed to make a meaningful impact.

SUB: Edson Álvarez (76' for Lira)—6.6: Will need to do more to stake a claim for a starting spot.

SUB: Armando González (76' for Jiménez)—5.9: Barely got a touch on the ball.

SUB: Alexis Vega (79' for Quiñones)—6.0: Too little time to make any real impression. Failed to register a shot or create a chance.

Subs not used: Carlos Acevedo (GK), Guillermo Ochoa (GK), Jorge Sánchez, Luis Romo, Mateo Chávez, Obed Vargas, Orbelín Pineda, César Huerta, Guillermo Martínez, Santiago Giménez.

What the Ratings Tell Us

The Numbers That Explain El Tri's Comfortable Win