Mexico defeats South Africa in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup at home
2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off: Simon Jordan discusses the rise of US soccer
Talksport presenter Simon Jordan discusses the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, highlighting its huge global and growing US influence. Jordan notes soccer’s rise to the third most popular sport in America, surpassing baseball and hockey. He is hopeful of a record-breaking tournament, which is expected to sell 6.5 million tickets, despite the challenges of the previous World Cup.
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The first match of the 104th World Cup was won by the host country.
Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in Mexico City after the Estadio Azteca hosted the opening ceremony of the World Cup.
Mexico were the better team from the jump, scoring in the ninth minute after two corners.
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Raul Jimenez celebrates with teammates after scoring Mexico’s second goal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match against South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026. (Hector Vivas/FIFA via Getty Images)
Passing from from South Africa The goalkeeper ran away with his teammate and was taken by Erik Lira. The ball was then picked up by Julián Quiñones, who took just one dribble towards the center of the field and fired a right-footed shot into the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
South Africa’s comeback hopes began to shine when Yaya Sithole was given a red card in the 50th minute for bringing on Brian Gutiérrez from Mexico in what would have been a highlight.
Since then, South Africa were playing with 10 men, which made it an even bigger mountain to climb.
Mexican players applaud the fans during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. (Angel Delgado/Getty Images)
MEXICO SCORES THE FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP AFTER THE NATIONAL ANTHEM IN THE OPENING CEREMONY.
The sword came in the 67th minute, when Raúl Jiménez headed in Roberto Alvarado’s cross, making the game 2-0. Playing in his fourth World Cup, it was Jiménez’s first goal in the tournament’s history, and he couldn’t help but let his emotions out.
The country was hit with one red card in the 84th minute, while Mexico was given another in the 92nd minute. South Africa’s Sithole and Themba Zwane, as well as Mexico’s César Montes, will each miss their next matches against Czechia in Atlanta and Korea in Guadalajara, respectively.
In the history of the World Cup, Mexico has won 15 of the 23 games that scored first, with five draws and three losses.
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The Estadio Azteca, renamed the Mexico City Stadium for the tournament, hosted the tournament’s opening ceremonies, where all 48 competing countries were represented. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was in the building with the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
Mexico’s forward Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal in the 2026 World Cup Group A match against South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. (Rodrigo Oropeza/AFP via Getty Images)
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Mexico is coming off a disappointing trip to Qatar as it was the first time since 1978 that they participated in the World Cup and ended up not reaching the knockout stage. Despite its ban in 1990 and non-qualification in 1982, it had made it past the group stage in nine consecutive World Cup matches in which it played.
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