The first of 104 World Cup matches was won by the country that hosted the start of the tournament.Mexico took down South Africa, 2-0, in Mexico City after Estadio Azteca played host to the World Cup opening ceremonies.Mexico was the better team from the jump, scoring in the ninth minute after already having two corner kicks.WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONERaul Jimenez celebrates with teammates after scoring Mexico's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match against South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026.(Hector Vivas/FIFA via Getty Images)A pass from South Africa's goalie got away from a teammate and was picked off by Erik Lira.
The ball was then taken by Julián Quiñones, who took just one dribble toward the middle of the field and ripped a right-footed shot into the net, putting the crowd into a frenzy.Hopes of a South African comeback took a hit when Yaya Sithole was given a red card in the 50th minute for bringing Mexico's Brian Gutiérrez on what would have been a breakaway.From then on, South Africa was playing with 10 men, making it an even larger mountain to climb.Mexico players applaud fans during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.(Angel Delgado/Getty Images)MEXICO SCORES FIRST GOAL OF 2026 WORLD CUP ON HOME TURF AFTER EMOTIONAL NATIONAL ANTHEM IN OPENING CEREMONYThe dagger came in the 67th minute, when Raúl Jiménez scored a header on a perfect cross from Roberto Alvarado, making it a 2-0 game.
Playing in his fourth World Cup, it was Jiménez's first goal in tournament history, and he could not help but let out his emotions.South Africa was hit with one more red card in the 84th minute, and Mexico was given one in the 92nd minute.South Africa's Sithole and Themba Zwane, as well as Mexico's César Montes, will each miss their next games against Czechia in Atlanta and Korea in Guadalajara, respectively.In World Cup history, Mexi...