MEX vs RSA Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: Quinones and Jimenez score as Mexico beat 9-man South Africa 2-0

Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez score in each half as Mexico start the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable win against a South Africa side that finished with nine men.

Despite losing captain Cesar Montes to a late red card, the victory gives Mexico plenty of confidence as they prepare for their next match against South Korea on June 18.

Mokoena tries a shot from a short free-kick but Mexico clear the danger. Resounding boos ring around Estadio Azteca as the South African captain is sent off.

Khuliso Mudau drives into the final third and Cesar Montes makes a rough challenge. The referee shows the Mexican captain a straight red card. Mexico are reduced to 10 men in stoppage time.

Mexico show no signs of slowing down with their comfortable lead and extra men on the field. Frustration is visible among South African players, with Mbokazi almost kicking the ball in anger following Zwane’s red card.

Themba Zwane shoves Alvarado and the referee goes to the monitor for review. After checking, Sampaio shows Zwane a red card. South Africa are down to nine men.

Both sides make changes in the final quarter. Mexico bring on Edson Alvarez for Erik Lira and Armando Gonzalez for Raul Jimenez. South Africa introduce Evidence Makgopa for Modiba and Oswin Appollis for Rayners.

Alvarado crosses from the right and Raul Jimenez rises to head the ball into the net. The Wolves striker makes no mistake and doubles Mexico’s lead.

Jimenez is in tears after scoring his 46th goal for Mexico, becoming the joint-second highest scorer in the country’s history behind only Javier Hernandez.

Quinones whips in a lovely cross from the left for the surging Alvarado. The ball is slightly overhit and goes out of play, but Alvarado acknowledges the effort with a thumbs up.

South Africa continue searching for openings from distance. Modiba tries a shot but Raul Rangel makes a comfortable save.

The second half starts with Mexico looking more aggressive. South Africa appear shaky in possession.

At 49', Gutierrez storms into the box and Sithole makes a challenge from behind. The referee shows him a straight red card. South Africa are down to 10 men early in the second half.

The referee blows his whistle for half-time and both teams head to the dugouts. Mexico lead courtesy of Julian Quinones’ early goal. It could have been 2-0, but his later effort hit the post.

Four minutes of stoppage time have been added. South Africa push for an equaliser with a long ball down the left. Modiba tries to get past Alvarado, but the Mexican defender stands firm and stops the attack.

South Africa win a corner but fail to create danger in the box. The ball drops to Mbokazi who shoots from distance. His effort stays on target and forces Raul Rangel into a comfortable save. This is South Africa’s first shot on target of the game.

Alvarado and Reyes combine to test South Africa’s defence. Jimenez makes a clever run and meets a cross, but Williams makes a good save. The goal wouldn’t have stood anyway as Jimenez was offside.

At 42', Quinones latches onto another loose ball in the box and hits the post. The forward continues to look sharp.

The match has slowed down as half-time approaches. Mexico are happy to sit on their slender lead and see out the first half without taking too many risks.

South Africa play out from the back and switch to a long ball. Modiba makes a good run in behind the Mexican defence and collects the ball, but he is ruled offside.

The match resumes after the cooling break. South Africa search for answers against Mexico’s relentless attacks. Mexico swarm into the box and Fidalgo’s shot is cleared by the defence.

The match is paused for the first hydration break. Players take a short breather as the heat starts to become a factor in the game.

South Africa win a free-kick which Mokoena delivers into the box. Mexico’s defence heads the ball clear.

Mexico have controlled the attacking play so far. They have registered five shots to South Africa’s none, with two on target. Quinones’ early goal continues to separate the sides.