Mexico vs South Africa LIVE: World Cup 2026 result, latest updates and fan reaction

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Evening Standard

·11 June 2026

Mexico vs South Africa LIVE: World Cup 2026 result, latest updates and fan reaction

Julian Quinones scores first goal of the tournament

Mexico's Julian Quinones unleashed a spectacular strike and Raul Jimenez scored a header as the co-hosts beat nine-man South Africa ⁠2-0 in their World Cup Group A opener at Estadio Azteca on Thursday, in a match where three players were sent off.

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Quinones ⁠opened the scoring early ⁠after Sphephelo Sithole's defensive error allowed Erik Lira to recover possession ⁠and set up the forward, whose powerful finish ⁠sent the home ‌crowd wild under cloudy skies in Mexico City.

South Africa's task became harder five minutes ‌after the break when ‌Sithole was sent off for a foul on Brian Gutierrez, although Jimenez failed to make the ⁠resulting free kick count. The striker made amends in the 67th minute, heading in Mexico's second at the far post.

Midfielder Themba Zwane was shown a red card for violent conduct in the 84th ‌minute as South Africa finished with nine men, while Mexico defender ‌Cesar Montes was ⁠also sent off for a foul ⁠in stoppage time. Mexico face South Korea in Guadalajara ‌on Thursday, while South Africa ‌play the Czechia.