World Cup
7:00 PMJune 11, 2026
Group Stage – 1
Estadio Azteca
Referee: Wilton Pereira Sampaio, Brazil
Mexico
South Africa
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1.41
Expected goals (xG)
0.07
-0.47
Goals Prevented
-0.47
Passing
467 (90%)
Accurate passes
272 (81%)
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Substitutes
11
F
Santiago Giménez
22
F
Guillermo Martínez
17
M
Orbelín Pineda
18
M
Obed Vargas
21
M
César Huerta
20
D
Mateo Chávez
7
M
Luis Romo
2
D
Jorge Sánchez
13
G
Guillermo Ochoa
12
G
Carlos Acevedo
F
Alexis Vega
79′ Replaced by Julián QuiñonesF
Armando González
76′ Replaced by Raúl JiménezM
Edson Álvarez
76′ Replaced by Erik LiraM
Luis Chávez
66′ Replaced by Brian GutiérrezM
Gilberto Mora
66′ Replaced by Álvaro Fidalgo
1
G
Ronwen Williams (C)
6
D
Aubrey Modiba
14
D
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
21
D
Ime Okon
D
Nkosinathi Sibisi
74′ Foul
20
D
Khuliso Mudau
23
M
Jayden Adams
M
Siphephelo Sithole
49′ Professional foul last manM
Teboho Mokoena
17′ Foul
9
F
Lyle Foster
15
F
Iqraam Rayners
Substitutes
12
F
Thapelo Maseko
25
M
Kamogelo Sebelebele
10
F
Relebohile Mofokeng
8
F
Tshepang Moremi
2
D
Tholo Thabang Matuludi
18
D
Samukelo Kabini
24
D
Olwethu Makhanya
3
D
Khulumani Ndamane
26
D
Bradley Cross
16
G
Sipho Chaine
22
G
Ricardo Goss
F
Evidence Makgopa
77′ Replaced by Iqraam RaynersF
Oswin Appollis
77′ Replaced by Aubrey ModibaM
Themba Zwane
84′Violent conduct
61′ Replaced by Jayden AdamsM
Thalente Mbatha
56′ Replaced by Lyle FosterNo standings data available for this league
Mexico dominated South Africa 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca, with Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scoring to secure a commanding World Cup victory. The hosts controlled possession and territory throughout, while South Africa’s discipline collapsed with two red cards in the second half.
Mexico came into this World Cup encounter seeking to make an immediate impact on home soil. The Estadio Azteca provided a fortress atmosphere for the hosts, who looked to assert their credentials early in the tournament.
Quiñones struck with remarkable speed, opening the scoring in just the ninth minute. The forward’s early goal set the tone for Mexico’s dominance and put South Africa on the back foot immediately.
South Africa struggled to settle into the match after falling behind so quickly. Teboho Mokoena received a yellow card in the 17th minute as the visitors began to show frustration.
Mexico pressed their advantage throughout the first half without adding to their lead. Brian Gutiérrez picked up a caution in the 23rd minute as Mexico’s intensity occasionally crossed the line.
The first half ended with Mexico in complete control. They had created numerous chances and limited South Africa to minimal attacking opportunities.
South Africa’s discipline unraveled early in the second half. Siphephelo Sithole received a straight red card in the 49th minute, reducing the visitors to ten men and effectively deciding the contest.
With a numerical advantage, Mexico pressed forward relentlessly. Jiménez doubled the hosts’ lead in the 67th minute, sealing the victory with a composed finish.
South Africa’s troubles deepened when Themba Zwane saw red in the 84th minute. The visitors finished the match with nine players after a chaotic second half.
César Montes received a red card in stoppage time for Mexico, but the result was already secured. The late dismissal mattered little given the commanding scoreline.
Mexico’s statistics told the story of their dominance. The hosts recorded 16 total shots with four on target, while maintaining 61 percent possession. South Africa managed just three shots total, with two finding the target. Mexico’s expected goals figure of 1.41 reflected their superiority, while South Africa’s 0.07 xG showed their attacking impotence.
Quiñones earned a rating of 8.3 for his influential display, while Roberto Alvarado contributed an assist in his 8.2-rated performance. Jiménez added the second goal and earned 7.9 for his efforts.
This comprehensive victory positions Mexico well in their World Cup group. The hosts will look to build on this strong start when they face their next opponents.