By Izuchukwu Okosi
Mexico made a real statement of intent as they began their campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over a nine-man South African side on Thursday night.
Mexico had the first opportunity of the game.
Raul Jimenez got on the end of a pass and produced a promising first-time shot towards the bottom left corner.
The shot was blocked by Ronwen Williams with a great save.
The Mexicans then got ahead with the opener in the ninth minute.
Julian Quinones was at the end of the ball after a sloppy piece of defending by the South African defence as the ball squirmed under the hands of the Bafana Bafana keeper.
Mexico’s pressure intensified as both sides emerged from the dressing room and South Africa paid the price eventually four minutes into the second half.
Brian Gutierrez bore down on goal but was but was adjudged to have been fouled albeit inadvertently by Yaya Sithole.
Raul Jimenez whose contract at Fulham has come to an end grabbed the second goal for the Mexicans in the last quarter of the game that was also the opening fixture of the 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa.
Mexican fans in the stands of the Mexico City stadium chorused in triumph and waved joyfully as the first game of the 104 fixtures went by.
The 2026 World Cup is the first edition with 48 teams in attendance.
