World Cup – Raúl Jiménez scores as Mexico defeats South Africa 2-0

The 2026 World Cup kicked off with Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 in their opening Group A match, thanks to goals from Quiniones and Raul Jiménez.

Four minutes into the match, Mexico launched an attack, with Bryan Gutierrez taking a direct shot, but the ball struck an opposing player. Shortly after, Israel Reyes delivered a cross from the right wing, and Raul Jimenez unleashed a shot, which was saved by South African goalkeeper Longwen Williams.

In the 9th minute, South Africa made a mistake, and Quiniones received a pass from Eric Lira and fired a shot into the net, giving Mexico a 1-0 lead. In the 13th minute, Roberto Alvarado took a corner kick, and Raul Jimenez headed the ball towards goal, but it was caught by South African goalkeeper Longwen Williams.

In the 19th minute, Israel Reyes passed the ball to Quiniones outside the penalty area, whose long-range shot went wide. In the 30th minute, Brian Gutierrez received a pass from Quiniones and shot, but the ball was cleared by an opposing player.

In the 37th minute, South Africa attempted a counter-attack. Mbokazi chipped a pass into the penalty area, but Lyle Foster's header went wide. In the 42nd minute, Brian Gutierrez orchestrated an attack, and Quiniones' shot hit the post.

At the start of the second half, South African goalkeeper Longwen Williams made a mistake when kicking off, and Brian Gutierrez got the ball in the ensuing scramble and took a long-range shot, but the ball went over the goal.

In the 50th minute, Brian Gutierrez was brought down by South African midfielder Yaya Citor while dribbling forward, and the referee showed Citor a red card. Shortly after, Mexico had a free kick, which Raul Jimenez took directly, but the ball hit the wall.

In the 55th minute, South African midfielder Teboho Mokona created an attacking opportunity, and Aubrey Modiba took a long-range shot, but the ball was caught by Mexican goalkeeper Raul Ranger. In the 67th minute, Roberto Alvarado delivered a cross from the right wing, and Raul Jimenez headed the ball into the net, helping Mexico extend their lead to 2-0.

In the 76th minute, Mexico substituted Armando González and Edson Álvarez for Raúl Jiménez and Eric Lira. In the 84th minute, Truba Zwané elbowed Roberto Álvarado in the face. After VAR intervention, the referee showed Truba Zwané a red card, leaving South Africa with only nine players to continue.

In stoppage time of the second half, Cesar Montes fouled South African defender Curiso Mudau while vying for possession of the ball, and was therefore shown a red card by the referee and sent off.

Ultimately, Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0.

Image source: Internet