There was jubilation in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana, and sub-Saharan countries yesterday after Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The celebration was ostensibly due to recent xenophobic attacks on other Africans by the former apartheid enclave.
Mexico defeated the 9-man South Africa 2-0 in the official opening duel of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Group A at the Mexican City stadium on Thursday before a capacity crowd of over 80,000 spectators.
A goal in either half from Julian Andrés Quintero and Raúl Jiménez set the tone for the tournament co-hosts who are now top of Group A with three points and two goals.
Quintero, who features for Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Professional League, set the ball rolling with an 8th-minute goal past South Africa’s captain, Ronwen Williams.
South Africa granted Mexico the numerical advantage after Yaya Sithole was red-carded in the 50th minute for a professional foul.
Jiménez, a forward at Wolverhampton Football Club in the English Premier League, headed home the second goal on 66 minutes for the second goal of the evening.
Themba Zwane was also red-carded in the 82nd minute following a VAR review as South Africa’s miserable night continued.
Mexico’s César Montes was also cautioned for a foul inside the 7 added minutes of additional time.
Mexico’s second Group A contest will come on 19th June 2026 against South Korea.
South Africa will play the Czech Republic on 18th June 2026.
There was a befitting opening ceremony prior to the duel with magical performances from the world’s best artists, including Shakira and Nigeria’s Burna Boy.
Mexico defeated a 9-man South Africa 2-0 in the official opening duel of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in group A at the Mexican City stadium on Thursday before a capacity crowd of over 80,000 spectators.
A goal in either half from Julian Andres Quinones and Raul Jimenez set the tone for the tournament co-hosts who are now top of Group A with three points and two goals.
Quinones who features for Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Professional league set the ball rolling with an 8th minute goal past South Africa’s captain Ronwen Williams.
South Africa granted Mexico the numerical advantage after Yaya Sithole was red carded in the 50th minute for a professional foul.
Jimenez, a forward at Wolverhampton football club in the English premier league headed home the second goal on 66 minutes for the second goal on the evening.
Themba Zwane was also red carded in the 82nd minute following a VAR review as South Africa’s miserable night continued.
Mexico’s Ceaser Montes was also cautioned for a foul inside the 7 added minutes of additional time.
Mexico’s second group A contest will come on 19th June 2026 against South Korea.
South Africa will play Czech Republic on 18th June 2026.
There was a befitting opening ceremony prior to the duel with magical performances from the world’s best artists as Shakirah.
TODAY’S MATCHES
South Korea vs Czech Republic
Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina