Mexico kicks off their 2026 FIFA World Cup Campaign with a very important win!
In a match that saw three players sent off, Mexico easily defeated South Africa 2-0 to start the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament’s first goal was scored by the incredible Julian Quinones, who also nearly added a second goal before halftime.
South Africa’s Yaya Sithole was sent off after the break for bringing down Brian Gutiérrez, with Mexico’s legendary striker Raul Jimenez adding the second.
Things went from bad to worse for South Africa when Themba Zwane was dismissed for violent conduct. But he wasn’t the last player to go, with Mexican defender Cesar Montes receiving the same punishment for a clumsy challenge in stoppage time.
We’re up and running at the 2026 World Cup — and there’s so much to look forward to, starting in just a few hours’ time.
South Korea and Czech Republic are the next two teams to take centre stage as they meet in Guadalajara.
Kick-off for that match is at 10pm ET/7pm PT in the U.S. and 3am BST in the UK.
Next up for Mexico
The outlook is much more positive for Mexico, who are now strong favourites to reach the round of 32.
They play South Korea in Guadalajara on Thursday at 7pm local time. That’s 9pm ET and 6pm in the U.S. and 2am on Friday morning in the UK.
Next up for South Africa
With that defeat, it will now be very difficult for South Africa to get out of Group A and into the knockout stages.
The chances of that happening, according to forecasts, are 62 percent, so getting a win against Czech Republic in their next match feels essential.
That one takes place at noon ET (9am PT, 5pm BST) in Atlanta on Thursday.
