Hosts Nation for FIFA World Cup 2026 Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, who dedicated his first World Cup strike to his late father.

South Africa played with 10 men after Sphephelo Sithole’s red card in the 49th minute, while Mexico controlled 54% possession despite strong saves from keeper Ronwen Williams.

Fans across Africa cheered Mexico amid tensions over South African xenophobia, with Nigerians in Mexico City wearing El Tri jerseys and saying, ‘We’re Nigerians, but today we are Mexicans.’