12/06/2026
🇲🇽⚽🇿🇦 History was made today at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City as the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off — and the host nation delivered exactly what their fans were hoping for!
Mexico opened the tournament with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa in a match that will be remembered for both its brilliant moments and its extraordinary drama.
Julián Quiñones, a 29-year-old forward born in Colombia, broke the deadlock within the first nine minutes — the earliest World Cup opening goal since Philipp Lahm scored for Germany back in 2006. Then, in the second half, veteran striker Raúl Jiménez sealed the win with a headed goal that brought him to tears on the pitch. It was his first-ever World Cup goal in three appearances — a deeply emotional moment for a player who nearly lost his career to a serious head injury back in 2020.
The match, however, wasn't without controversy. Three r3d cards were shown in total — two for South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, and one for Mexico's César Montes late in injury time — leaving the final minutes played at 10 vs. 9. It marked the first time in 20 years that a World Cup match saw three players s3nt off.
For Mexico, it's their first-ever win in a World Cup opening match, having previously lost five and drawn two in such fixtures — including a draw against South Africa when the tournament was held on African soil in 2010.
The Azteca also etched its name further into football history, becoming the first stadium ever to host matches at three separate men's World Cups, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986.
Mexico now lead Group A with three points and will face South Korea next Thursday in Guadalajara. 🏆
What do you think about this situation?
👇 Share your thoughts in the comments below.