📈 Mad stat highlights Mexico's first-half dominance in World Cup opener | OneFootball

Mexico are off to the perfect start in the opening fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the joint host dominant in their capital city.

An opener in the 9th minute from Al Qadsiah's Julián Quiñones lifted the CONCACAF powerhouse into the lead, with Mexico's high press forcing South Africa to turn possession over before the 29-year-old slammed home between Ronwen Williams's legs.

Though Quiñones got his name on the scoresheet, it's been the box presence of star striker Raul Jiménez and bright attacking midfielder Brian Gutiérrez that has been noteworthy throughout.

The pair of attackers gained entry into Bafana Bafana's 18-yard-box three times each; each more than South Africa's combined two in the opening 45 minutes of action.

With dominance like this at their historic ground, perhaps Javier Aguirre's outfit will be a sneaky dark horse pick after all.

📸 CARL DE SOUZA - AFP or licensors