Mexico started the World Cup in the best possible way, with an easy victory over South Africa with three red cards as the atmosphere inside the Estadio Azteca reached its peak after the opening ceremony.
Mexico wins World Cup opener, Raul Jimenez scores second goal
Mexico vowed to capitalize on home advantage and not repeat South Africa’s hopes that sparked the World Cup 16 years ago.
In the stadium where Pele and Diego Maradona lifted the World Cup trophy, Julian Quinones scored the fastest goal in a World Cup opening game in 20 years. Mexican fans saw their enthusiasm matched by the team’s accomplishments as the visiting team got off to a great start, finishing with nine men.
Rewind 16 years and Mexico vs. South Africa opened the World Cup in Johannesburg. Siphiwe Tshabalala’s goal is etched in the history of the competition, but on that day, a second-half equalizer courtesy of Mexican icon Rafael Marquez put the hosts ahead.
It wasn’t the same this time, and Mexico’s early goal gave them the upper hand and they never looked back. Raul Jimenez saw his early shot well saved, but it only delayed the inevitable in front of a partisan crowd at the Estadio Azteca.
If Mexico tops their group, they could potentially play their final 32 games and final 16 in the capital. The atmosphere in and around Mexico City emphasizes the influence of home advantage, which could be important for one of the three co-hosts.
Mexico remained comfortable throughout, but a red card for Yaya Sithole early in the second half made South Africa’s task even more difficult. It was the first time since 1994 that they were sent off in the opening game as the Africans’ task became increasingly difficult.
Jimenez is the most recognizable name on the pitch and the Wolves frontman was on hand to bring home his team’s second goal just after the hour mark, keeping the game largely safe.
Shortly after VAR made its first meaningful intervention, recommending that the referee send off Themba Zwane for an off-the-ball incident, it appeared at first glance to be naive. Even a stoppage-time red card for Cesar Montes, the third player in the game, did not dampen Mexico’s energy.
Mexican fans created a unique atmosphere at Estadio Azteca
At the opening ceremony, performers declared the start of the tournament with the words, “Bianvenida a Mexico. Welcome to Mexico.” “Mexico welcomes you with a hearty smile. We are a country of diversity, tradition and pride. Football carries the same heartbeat and unites generations. Trophies are not defined by one player or a nation, but by everyone.”
At the first of several opening ceremonies, Shakira and Burna Boy took to the stage to kick off the World Cup. Colombia’s star player was on hand to perform the official World Cup song, “Die Die.” The performers wore indigenous costumes. Most of the stadium was occupied by fans wearing green, Mexico’s color.
Jimenez had to hold back tears as he celebrated in front of 83,000 fans on Thursday night. The cameras then shifted to 35-year-old Canelo Alvarez, who became the first undisputed super middleweight champion in history, and emphasized the support of the host nation’s collective.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with Sky Glass ‘designed for soccer’
From £4.50
sky
Get the deal here
Sky is marking the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 20% discount on its entire range of glass TVs. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to a Sky smart TV ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 a month when taken with a Sky TV and Netflix package.
