Mexico, which last hosted the World Cup in 1986 and reached the quarterfinals, is on its way to that goal after winning its first match.
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Hosts Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on Thursday. Mexico, which last hosted the tournament in 1986, reached the quarterfinals and is on course to do so after winning its first match.
Mexico's Julian Quinonez became the first player to score a goal at the 2026 World Cup in front of more than 80,000 spectators at the Azteca Stadium. He gave Mexico the lead in the ninth minute.
Mexico took advantage of a ball lost by South African goalkeeper Ronwayne Williams, who slotted a pass from Eric Lira under the feet of the South African goalkeeper.
A large crowd had gathered at the stadium to support Mexico, which is hosting the World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. The majority of the approximately 81,000 spectators were Mexicans.
South Africa goalkeeper Ronwayne Williams made a brilliant save in the fourth minute from Mexico's Raul Jimenez. Mexico also missed several good chances.
South Africa were reduced to 10 men in the 50th minute when Yaya Sithole was shown a red card. Sithole, who was the last man outside the penalty box, was sent off after a solo pass from Mexico's Brian Gutierrez.
Mexico's Raul Jimenez scored the second goal. In the 67th minute, he headed in Roberto Alvaro's excellent cross. South Africa was reduced to nine men in the 84th minute. Themba Zwane was shown a red card by the referee with the help of VAR for handball.
Mexico also lost one of its players. Cesar Montez was shown a straight red card in the first minute of injury time for obstructing an opposing player's goal-scoring opportunity.
