Raúl Jiménez seals Mexico’s win against nine-man South Africa in World Cup opener

Mexico defeated South Africa in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener at the Azteca stadium, with the match turning when South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole was caught in possession just nine minutes in, allowing Julián Quiñones to score. Raúl Jiménez sealed the victory for Mexico, who played against a reduced South Africa side that finished with nine men. The match was overshadowed by organisational issues at the venue, including chaotic traffic and lack of facilities, attributed partly to the tournament being run without a local organising committee.