Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the World Cup, securing a victory at Azteca Stadium amidst ongoing social protests. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez provided the scoring for the host nation, while strict refereeing led to three ejections in a highly physical contest.
Before the first touch, more than 80,000 fans filled the Mexico City venue, though President Claudia Sheinbaum opted not to attend. Outside the gates, protesters blocked access routes to draw attention to the nation’s missing persons crisis.
Quiñones gave Mexico an immediate advantage, finding the net in the 8th minute of play. The early deficit forced South Africa to press forward, but veteran forward Jiménez secured the result with a second goal in the 66th minute.
The match devolved into a series of harsh challenges as the clock progressed. Match officials issued three red cards, setting a rigid disciplinary tone for the 48-team tournament. South Africa lost Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane, while Mexico’s César Montes received his dismissal deep into stoppage time.
This fixture reversed the outcome of the 2010 tournament opener, where the two nations played to a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg. Azteca Stadium made history with the whistle, becoming the first venue to host three tournament opening matches following its duties in 1970 and 1986. South Africa now faces immediate pressure in Group A to avoid early elimination.