Rojiblancos shine as Mexico beat South Africa! | OneFootball

As could not have been otherwise, the football party kicked off this afternoon at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Mexico’s emphatic 2-0 win over South Africa at Mexico City Stadium, with a clearly red-and-white flavor.

It was evident from the start, as Javier Aguirre named 3 Guadalajara players in his starting lineup: Raúl Rangel, Brian Gutiérrez, and Roberto Alvarado, who set the tempo and shaped El Tri’s victory.

Brian played a key role in midfield. Not only did he touch the first ball of the World Cup, but he was also hyperactive all over the pitch and drew South Africa’s red card with a great run in behind the back line, followed by a foul at the edge of the box thanks to his sharp movement against the defender chasing him.

“Piojo” pulled the strings of Mexico’s attack, always serving as the national team’s creative outlet. He was actively involved in creating chances going forward until he registered the assist for Mexico’s second goal, delivering a precise cross for Raúl Jiménez to finish. He also drew another red card for the opposition near the end of the match.

“Tala” confirmed himself as Mexico’s best goalkeeper. Although he was not seriously troubled due to the flow of the match, he showed the composure and security that define him whenever he was called upon.

But it did not end there, as Armando González came on in the 75th minute, establishing himself as El Tri’s center forward.

With a standout red-and-white presence in the World Cup opener, the Chivas players will look to maintain their prominent role on June 18, when Mexico plays its second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Korea at Guadalajara Stadium, in a key game for El Tri’s group-stage hopes.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.