Mexico’s Raul Jimenez celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup Group A soccer match against South Africa in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
| Photo Credit: AP
Mexico had never won their opening game of World Cup in seven attempts, registering five defeats and two draws during their previous appearances at the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Mexico vs South Africa highlights
Mexico first played in the premier competitive international football tournament in 1930. Mexico has played 16 World Cups but failed to qualify in 1974 and 1982. In 1990 the team was banned to participate.
In 1930, France defeated Mexico 4-1 and from then on the team had never won their opening World Cup match. Mexico has entered the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals two times viz. in 1970 and 1986.
Mexico’s biggest win in FIFA World Cup was 4-0 against El Salvador in 1970. Their biggest defeat was against West Germany 0-6 in 1978. Only two times, Mexico entered the quarterfinals.
Mexico’s worst result was their elimination in group stage in 1930, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1978 and 2022.
With this background, Mexico football team started their World Cup 2026 on a winning note by defeating South Africa 2-0 on June 11, 2026. Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament and veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second as the co-hosts’ bid for qualification from Group A got off to smooth start.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre revealed his team had overcome a bout of stage fright before clinching their first victory in a World Cup opener on Thursday (June 11, 2026).
But Aguirre’s side were always in control against a poor South African team at the Estadio Azteca and bagged three points that puts them firmly on course for the knockout rounds from Group A.
Published – June 12, 2026 09:10 am IST
