FIFA World Cup 2026 opens: Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 at Mexico City Stadium
On 11 June 2026 at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca), co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Summary
The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off on 11 June 2026 at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca), Mexico City, where co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the Group A opening match. Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of the tournament in the 9th minute, and Raúl Jiménez headed the second in the 67th minute, his first goal at a World Cup. Three players were sent off: South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, and Mexico's César Montes.
Key facts
- Date and venue
- 11 June 2026, Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca)
- Result
- Mexico 2–0 South Africa (Group A)
- First goal of tournament
- Julián Quiñones, 9th minute
- Second goal
- Raúl Jiménez, 67th minute (first World Cup goal)
- Red cards
- Sithole and Zwane (South Africa), Montes (Mexico)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which team did Mexico defeat in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on 11 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — South Africa
Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the Group A opening match.
Who scored the first goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the opening match on 11 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Julián Quiñones
Julián Quiñones scored in the 9th minute; Raúl Jiménez added the second in the 67th minute.
Consider the following statements about the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026: 1. The match was played at Mexico City Stadium. 2. Three players were sent off during the match. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
FIFA lists the venue as Mexico City Stadium, and FIFA, Concacaf and BBC report three red cards (Sithole, Zwane, Montes).