Mexico kicked off the largest World Cup in history with a bang, electrifying the home crowd at Azteca Stadium after a disappointing previous tournament. The Mexican team faced immense pressure and high expectations in the first match of the expanded 48-team World Cup but rose to the occasion by defeating South Africa 2-0, a game that saw three red cards.
Coach Javier Aguirre, a former player in Mexico’s 1986 home World Cup, highlighted the significance of the event to his young squad. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez found the back of the net for Mexico, a nation set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and the United States.
After a letdown in the previous World Cup, Mexico showed promise by securing a victory in their opening match. The team has historical success in reaching the quarterfinals twice, both times as host in 1970 and 1986, with Aguirre part of the latter squad.
In front of a full house at 80,824 spectators, Mexico took an early lead through Quinones and doubled the advantage with Jimenez’s header. Despite a dominant first half, Aguirre acknowledged room for improvement in the team’s performance.
Jimenez’s goal tied him with Jared Borgetti for second place in Mexico’s national team scoring, trailing leader Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez by six goals. Jimenez’s journey back from a serious head injury in 2020 showcased his resilience and determination.
The match saw a flurry of red cards, with South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane sent off, followed by Mexico’s Cesar Montes. This marked the first time three red cards were shown in a World Cup opener, reminiscent of the high intensity seen in previous tournaments.
Looking ahead, Mexico aims to build on their momentum in the group stage as they face South Korea, while South Africa prepares to take on the Czech Republic. Aguirre emphasized the team’s focus on each match as they progress through the tournament, aiming to deliver strong performances step by step.