- Quinones Inspires Mexico to Dream Start as El Tri Defeat South Africa in World Cup Opener
Mexico launched the FIFA World Cup 2026 in style with an impressive 2-0 victory over South Africa in a lively Group A opener at the Mexico City Stadium on Thursday night.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Javier Aguirre’s side delivered an energetic and dominant performance, with Julian Quinones starring for El Tri by scoring the opening goal and playing a crucial role in the second.
The hosts wasted little time asserting themselves in front of their fans. Within the opening five minutes, Mexico threatened through Raul Jimenez after Israel Reyes delivered a dangerous cross from the right, but South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams reacted brilliantly to push the effort around the post.
Mexico’s relentless pressure eventually paid off in the ninth minute. Midfielder Erik Lira dispossessed Sphephelo Sithole deep in South Africa’s half before Quinones calmly slotted the ball through Williams’ legs from just inside the penalty area to send the stadium into celebration.
South Africa struggled to cope with Mexico’s attacking intensity throughout the first half and were fortunate not to fall further behind before the break. Williams produced another excellent save to deny Jimenez’s powerful header, while Quinones also rattled the post as El Tri continued to dominate proceedings.
Bafana Bafana’s hopes suffered a major setback shortly after halftime when Sithole was shown a red card for bringing down Jimenez on the edge of the penalty area as the striker raced clear on goal.
Mexico quickly capitalized on their numerical advantage. The home supporters erupted moments earlier when highly-rated 17-year-old Gilberto Mora entered the match, and the teenager’s introduction immediately lifted the atmosphere even further.
Just a minute later, Mexico doubled their lead with a beautifully crafted move. Quinones exchanged passes with Jimenez before feeding Roberto Alvarado, whose inviting cross was headed home at the far post by Jimenez for Mexico’s second goal of the night.
The encounter ended on a heated note as both teams finished with 10 men. South Africa substitute Themba Zwane and Mexico defender Cesar Montes were both sent off late in the contest, though it did little to dampen the celebrations among the home fans.
Mexico now sit top of Group A with three points, while South Africa face early pressure ahead of their next group fixture
One of the major talking points from the evening was the introduction of Mora, who at 17 years and 240 days became the sixth-youngest player ever to appear at a FIFA World Cup. Only legends such as Pele, Samuel Eto’o and Norman Whiteside made their tournament debuts at a younger age.
Quinones’ outstanding display also earned him the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award as Mexico made the perfect start to their World Cup campaign on home soil.
