Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Julián Quiñones scored the opening goal of the tournament in the ninth minute, and Raúl Jiménez scored Mexico’s second goal. Three players were sent off during the match — two from South Africa and one from Mexico. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the largest in tournament history.

Accounts differ on the attendance figure for the match. One report stated the attendance was 80,000 spectators, while another reported 80,824. The figure of 80,000 was reported by alarabiya, and 80,824 was reported by scrippsnews.com.

According to alarabiya, South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity, South Africa’s Themba Zwane was shown a red card for a slap, and Mexico’s César Montes was sent off late in the game for a foul. According to alarabiya, Mexico’s coach Javier Aguirre said his players had overcome severe first-day nerves.

According to sportsnet.ca, South Korea defeated Czechia in a match on the opening day of the 2026 World Cup. According to nytimes, the opening match was the first of 104 matches in the tournament, and security was tight in Mexico City on the day of the opening match.