Mexico v South Africa Match Stats and Timeline: Co-hosts start with routine win

Co-hosts Mexico got off to a winning start at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win against South Africa in a hectic match at the Estadio Azteca.

Julián Quiñones got Mexico's World Cup campaign off to the perfect start in the ninth minute as he capitalised on a defensive lapse by thumping the ball past South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

Hopes of a South Africa fightback were dented four minutes after half-time as Yaya Sithole was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Mexico doubled their advantage in the 67th minute as a wonderful Roberto Alvarado cross was headed home by veteran striker Raul Jimenez.

South Africa were reduced to nine men six mnutes from time following an off the ball as incident as Themba Zwane appeared to throw an arm at Alvarado.

A third red card was then shown in injury time as Cesar Montes was dismissed for bringing down Khuliso Mudau on the edge of the penalty area.

Whilst there were three dismissals in a frantic second-half, Mexico eased to a comfortable win and they have already taken a big step towards the knockout stages.

Mexico v South Africa Timeline

9' - Goal for Mexico. Scored by Julián Quiñones, assisted by Julián Quiñones.
17' - Yellow card for South Africa awarded to Teboho Mokoena.
23' - Yellow card for Mexico awarded to Brian Gutiérrez.
50' - Red card for South Africa awarded to Yaya Sithole.
56' - Substitution for South Africa, Lyle Foster replaced by Thalente Mbatha.
61' - Substitution for South Africa, Jayden Adams replaced by Themba Zwane.
66' - Substitutions for Mexico, Brian Gutiérrez and Álvaro Fidalgo replaced by Gilberto Mora and Luis Chavez.
67' - Goal for Mexico. Scored by Raul Jimenez, assisted by Roberto Alvarado.
74' - Yellow card for South Africa awarded to Nkosinathi Sibisi.
76' - Substitutions for Mexico, Raul Jimenez and Erik Lira replaced by Armando González and Edson Alvarez.
77' - Substitutions for South Africa, Aubrey Modiba and Iqraam Rayners replaced by Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa.
78' - Substitution for Mexico, Julián Quiñones replaced by Alexis Vega.
84' - Red card for South Africa awarded to Themba Zwane.
90+1' - Red card for Mexico awarded to Cesar Montes.

Mexico v South Africa Match Stats

Mexico		South Africa
60.5%	Possession	39.5%
16	Shots	3
4	Shots on Target	2
2	Goalkeeper Saves	2
12	Fouls Committed	11
3	Corners	1
520	Total Passes	334
89.8%	Pass Accuracy	81.4%
11	Tackles	14
54.5%	Tackles Won	50.0%
15	Clearances	17
1	Yellow Cards	2
1	Red Cards	2