Mexico breaks curse… in a match that ended 11 vs 9
- Mexico broke their curse of seven opening matches without a win by defeating South Africa 2-0 at the Azteca with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez
- The match ended 11 against 9 due to red cards: South Africa lost Sithole and Zwane, while Mexico received a red card for César Montes in stoppage time (90+2) in a controversial VAR decision
- Mexico began the 2026 World Cup with a convincing victory before 87,000 spectators, but must prepare for more competitive rivals in Group A
Seven opening matches without a win weighing like a sack of stones. Mexico shook it off at the Azteca, in front of 87,000 souls: 2-0 over South Africa with an early strike from Julián Quiñones (min. 9) and a finish from Raúl Jiménez (67'). El Tri started the biggest World Cup in history the right way.
Montes' red card in injury time is the sort of thing that sparks debate for days (you know how the VAR script goes). But beyond the controversy, Mexico got the job done: they won, didn't concede and got rid of a historic weight around their neck. That said, what's coming next won't be a friendly.
Frequently asked questions
How did Mexico fare against South Africa in the 2026 World Cup opening match?
Mexico won 2-0 against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, with goals from Julián Quiñones (min. 9) and Raúl Jiménez (min. 67).
Why did the Mexico-South Africa match end 11 against 9?
South Africa finished with two players sent off (Sithole and Zwane) and Mexico added César Montes' red card in stoppage time (90+2), a decision heavily disputed by VAR.
How many World Cup opening matches had Mexico gone without winning?
Mexico had gone seven World Cup opening matches without a victory before this 2-0 win over South Africa.
💬 Comments
Have your say, YouTube-comments style but at home. Be polite — decent folk read this.