Mexico made an immediate impression in a drama-filled opening match of the 2026 World Cup, winning 2-0 against South Africa in a game that produced three red cards.
The Mexicans rebounded from the massive disappointment of being eliminated after the group stage four years ago in Qatar. That followed seven straight trips to the round of 16 — an achievement that became more of a curse for failing to reach the quarterfinals.
But there is hope this year. Mexico has reached the quarterfinals twice in its history, and both times it was the host country — in 1970 and 1986. Aguirre was on that team in 1986.
In front of a crowd of more than 80,000 spectators, Mexico took the lead in the ninth minute when Julián Quiñones scored the opening goal of the tournament. 35-year-old striker Raúl Jiménez headed in Mexico's second goal at the Estadio Azteca, which became the first stadium in the world to host games at three World Cups.
“I made an effort to explain to them what a World Cup and an opening match on home soil meant, but they are young and had to experience it for themselves," said Mexico coach Javier Aguirre, who played for his team the last time Mexico hosted the tournament in 1986. "I can no longer talk about having played in a home World Cup, because they already know what it’s like.”
South Africa had Sphephelo Sithole dismissed for denying a goalscoring opportunity before Themba Zwane was shown a red card for a slap. Mexico's Cesar Montes was also sent off, for a late foul.
It was the first time there were three red cards given in the opening match of a World Cup tournament. And it’s the most in a World Cup game since four were handed out when Portugal played the Netherlands at the 2006 tournament in Germany.
“This level is much higher than whatever level we played before. We played a good team, and we played a good game. I saw a desperate Mexico,” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said. “We must improve in the next days. We’ll get over the disappointment.”
In the second match of the day in Guadalajara, South Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic, after Oh Hyeon-gyu brought the score to 2-1 on the 80-minute mark.
Mexico now has three points in Group A and will next play South Korea next Thursday in Guadalajara. South Africa will play the Czech Republic on the same day in Atlanta.
“It would be important (to win the group), but right now the only thing we’re thinking about is the match against Korea — being better than them and trying to win,” Aguirre said. “We’re going to take it step by step and see what the future holds.”
