Key Events
- Mexico vs South Africa short summary
- Mexico are now down to 10!
- Another red card for South Africa!
- Raul Jimenez doubles Mexico’s lead
- Back underway and a red card is shown!
ByJeremy Armstrong
John CrossChief Football WriterAndy LinesJerry LawtonBenedict Tetzlaff-DeasBruna ReisLiam Doyle
- Updated22:18, 11 Jun 2026
22:15KEY EVENT
Mexico vs South Africa short summary
Our reporter Jeremy Cross at Azteca, wrote: “Raul Jimenez broke down in tears of joy after helping Mexico dispatch nine-man South Africa to make a winning start to the World Cup on home soil.
“The co-hosts had a dream opening when Julian Quinones capitalised on a defensive blunder to fire Mexico ahead inside nine minutes. Quinones’ goal was the earliest scored in the opening game of a World Cup tournament since 2006.
“South Africa’s afternoon went from bad to worse on 50 minutes when Yaya Sithole was sent off for preventing a clear scoring chance. It was the first red card brandished in an opening clash since 1994.
“And Mexico’s advantage took its toll on 16 minutes later, when new Wolves striker Jimenez headed home a second inside a bouncing Azteca Stadium – to notch his first ever World Cup goal on his 124th international appearance.
“And South Africa’s misery was complete when Themba Zwane saw red as well. Before Mexico’s Cesar Montes became the third player in one game to be shown his marching orders – for the first time in an opening match in World Cup history.”
22:05Bruna Reis
Full-time!
The dream start for Mexico, with Quinones and Jimenez both on the scoresheet for the hosts.
But you get the feeling this tournament could be full of red cards.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
22:01KEY EVENT
Mexico are now down to 10!
Cesar Montes is now sent off by Sampaio – this is absurd.
The Mexican centre‑back is dismissed for bringing down the last man outside the box.
Nothing comes of the South Africa free‑kick.
21:52KEY EVENT
Another red card for South Africa!
South Africa are down to nine after Zwane is shown a straight red card.
Referee Wilton Sampaio is sent to the pitch‑side monitor to review an incident that appears to show Zwane slapping Alvarado.
A nightmare start for the Rainbow Nation.
21:38KEY EVENT
Raul Jimenez doubles Mexico’s lead
The new Wolves star heads home his first World Cup goal. A special moment for Jimenez, who is visibly in tears as he celebrates.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa.
Sithole’s sending off
The 25‑year‑old’s sending‑off means he will be absent for South Africa’s second game against Czech Republic next Thursday.
Back underway and a red card is shown!
Sithole has been shown a red card. He brings down last‑man Gutierrez to halt the counter‑attack.
21:06Bruna Reis
William Gallas’ verdict on drinks break
Gallas argues that drinks’ breaks disrupt the flow of matches, with a three‑minute stop planned in both halves.
Speaking to SveaCasino, he said: “The players make the show, so we have to care about them and put them in the best condition. It’s going to be very hot, and I’ve seen that they will try to stop the games to give the players an opportunity to drink water.
“However, that will kill the tempo of the game. I don’t know why they didn’t think about this beforehand. Maybe they can stop the game once per half, as has happened in the past when it was too warm. But if it’s more than once, it can kill the speed of the game and impact which team is leading or behind.
“Can you imagine if your team is behind, putting on pressure to equalize, and then the referee stops the game for a water break? The manager is going to be furious. However, as I said, we have to protect the players. We don’t want to see a player not feeling well on the pitch.”
20:58Bruna Reis
Half-time: Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Mexico lead at the break after Quinones’ opener.
The hosts have fired off 10 shots, three on target, compared to South Africa’s single effort on goal.
From Ciudad Juarez
US Border Patrol agents shouted ‘viva Mexico’ as they monitored fans streaming from the USA into Mexico to watch the national team play the opening match of the World Cup.
On the road from El Paso to Ciudad Juarez, our correspondent Zak Garner-Purkis was warned to stay alert by a local journalist. “There has been a guidance issued by the Ministry to tourists about their safety,” Kevin Palomino said as we crossed the border.
The city is ranked among the most dangerous in the country, long associated with cartel violence. Yet as we made the crossing, the atmosphere was surprisingly festive despite the boiling heat.
A man with a six‑foot Mexico flag strapped to the back of his trailer blasted music, and supporters celebrated the opening goal wildly.
20:45Bruna Reis
South Africa are pushing
South Africa keep pressing, and Lyle Foster goes close with a header that flashes wide.
Just over five minutes to go until half-time.
20:28KEY EVENT
Clashes outside Azteca
Chaotic scenes at Gate 8 of the Estadio Azteca as fans clash with police.
Enfrentamiento en la puerta 8 del estadio azteca #CDMX pic.twitter.com/V3Nb08D5g3
— Proyecto Ambulante (@proamboax) June 11, 2026
20:17KEY EVENT
There it is! Hosts Mexico take lead
Julian Quinones fires the hosts in front after Erik Lira pinches the ball off Yaya Sithole on the edge of the box, allowing the forward to sweep his finish past Ronwen Williams.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa.
Raul Jimenez chance!
The Mexican registers the first effort of the match, drilling a shot from the edge of the box that Ronwen Williams beats away.
20:06Bruna Reis
Here we go!
Kick-off is underway
20:01Richard Cusack
Mr Worldwide shows his appreciation
Pitbull has shown his appreciation to Shakira after the Colombian icon’s performance at the opening ceremony.
Mr Worldwide has shared a snap on social media of himself and Shakira on social media, tagging the official World Cup account in the post.
GOOOAAAALASOOOO @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/mG7sbTJk2s
— Pitbull (@pitbull) June 11, 2026
National anthems underway
The national anthems of Mexico and South Africa are belted out.
The home nation are singing their hearts out. That was special.
19:55Bruna Reis
Not long now!
The World Cup trophy is now being presented by Gianni Infantino as kick‑off rapidly approaches.
Players are making their way onto the pitch.
Excited?
19:52Bruna Reis
More celebrations
Mexico receive huge cheers as they’re joined by the flags of Canada and the USA – with the latter getting a noticeably quieter reception.
And now Andrea Bocelli takes to centre stage.
19:47Bruna Reis
Flags are presented
The flags of all 48 nations are now being presented, with representatives carrying them up to centre stage as kick‑off draws near.
19:40Bruna Reis
South Africa team
South Africa, who hosted the World Cup back in 2010, have named their first starting XI to face hosts Mexico.
South Africa XI: Ronwen Wiliams, Audrey Modiba, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams; Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners.
19:36Bruna Reis
Mexico starting XI
Javier Aguirre has named his first Mexico starting XI to face South Africa at the Azteca.
Starting XI: Jose Rangel; Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Israel Reyes; Brian Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo; Julian Quinones, Roberto Alvarado and Raul Jimnez.
Police attendance
More than 10,000 security staff have been called in for the opening ceremony of the World Cup.
There has also been protests by various groups seeking publicity for their causes. Teachers, farmers, transport workers and families of missing people will be part of at least six groups of demonstrators that are aiming to bring the Mexican capital to a standstill.
Under slogans such as “If there’s no solution, the ball won’t roll,” the protesters want to bring their demands to the attention of an international audience and the thousands of tourists who will be in the country during the tournament.
19:07Bruna Reis
That was very fun!
An amazing way to kick off the tournament, with the opening match now less than an hour away.
And guess what – there’s another ceremony still to come later.
Shakira takes to the stage!
Shakira is joined by Burna Boy, who’s braving the heat in full double denim despite temperatures topping 30 degrees.
The Colombian star first appeared alongside performers in white trousers and vests before teaming up with Burna Boy to deliver the official World Cup song, ‘Dai Dai.’
18:52Bruna Reis
Mexican celebrations
Performers in vibrant, colourful outfits are dancing around the World Cup trophy, while young singer Belinda steps forward amid a sea of bright dresses.
Her performance is accompanied by a full Mariachi band.
J Balvin has now stepped onto the stage.
The opening ceremony is underway
The stage is set, with several performers in yellow gathered in the centre of the pitch holding bright yellow balls.
“People of the world, welcome to Mexico,” it is announced. “Mexico receives you with smiles from our hearts. Football unites us all.”
The World Cup trophy is positioned centre-stage.
What to expect from the opening ceremony
Shakira and Burna Boy will perform ‘Dai Dai’, the official 2026 World Cup song, live for the first time.
Latin American talent will also be showcased, with FIFA writing in a statement: “In Mexico, this concept is brought to life through the intricate and celebratory art of ‘papel picado’, a powerful symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and joy.”
Alejandro Fernandez, J Balvin, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Tyla and Mexican band Mana are also set to perform.
Ian Wright hits out over referee controversy
Ian Wright has spoken about the situation involving the Somali referee Omar Artan who was denied entry to the United States, suggesting it goes against everything the sport stands for.
Speaking on ITV, he said: “I have spoken about the spirit of football and all the things that come with the spirit of the game. I think here, they have got no idea and clue of the spirit of the game and what is happening and what’s happened.
“Then you look also at people who keep saying things like keep saying things like ‘keep politics out of sport’. What are they saying now?”
World Cup 2026 rules explained: Heat break, VAR, substitutions and new throw-in change
The World Cup will feature new rules that referees are expected to follow throughout the tournament.
- Heat breaks: The hydration breaks will occur around the 22nd minute of each half, offering managers a chance to regroup with their players. FIFA have banned outfield players from heading to the sidelines for tactical coaching sessions when a goalkeeper goes down injured.
- VAR expanded powers: Video assistant referees can now intervene to correct wrongly awarded corner kicks and review second yellow cards that are clearly incorrect. Also, micro-cameras worn by referees and high-tech ball chips tracking data points will significantly speed up offside and foul reviews.
- Time-limited substitutions: Players being subbed off have a maximum of 10 seconds to leave the pitch at the nearest boundary line. If a player fails to exit within this window, their team must play with 10 men for at least one minute until the next official stoppage.
- Five-second throw-in and goal-kick rules: Referees will initiate a visible five-second countdown with their hands if they believe a player is intentionally stalling a restart. If the countdown expires on a throw-in, possession is returned to the opponent; an expired goal kick results in a corner kick for the other team.
- Protesting will now result in a sending-off: Those who decide to exit the field of play in protest of a refereeing decision will now be shown a red card. If a full team tries to cause an abandonment, then they will automatically forfeit the game. The same punishment will apply to team officials who encourage players to leave the pitch.
- Injury treatment rule: Any outfield player requiring on-field medical attention from a physio must leave the pitch and wait exactly one minute before returning. Exceptions are only made for severe head injuries, collisions, or if the fouling opponent is penalised with a card.
- Confrontation restrictions: Any player who covers their mouth with a hand, arm, or jersey during an on-field confrontation will be issued a straight red card. This strict measure was implemented to assist lip-reading and prevent players from hiding discriminatory language from cameras and officials.
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