The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in style at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday, as co-host Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in a match marked by a spectacular opening ceremony, three red cards, and the roar of more than 80,000 fans celebrating their nation's first home World Cup in 40 years.
Global music star Shakira — making her fourth World Cup appearance — headlined the pre-match ceremony alongside Nigeria's Burna Boy, Colombia's J Balvin, and South African singer Tyla, who performed her nation's anthem. Italian opera legend Andrea Bocelli and K-Pop artist Ejae performed the tournament's official anthem, while Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández led his country's anthem to thunderous applause. Performers dressed in indigenous clothing and ceremonial gold filled the pitch of the Estadio Azteca — the only venue to have hosted World Cup matches at three different tournaments, in 1970, 1986, and now 2026. Outside the stadium, however, sporadic clashes broke out as around 200 hooded individuals, who had broken away from larger protest groups, briefly confronted riot police and temporarily disrupted nearby metro services, though authorities said the situation was brought under control. Teachers and families of victims of Mexico's drug war also marched peacefully nearby to draw international attention to their causes.
On the pitch, Mexico wasted no time. Julian Quiñones, a 29-year-old Colombia-born forward who was the top scorer in the Saudi league this season, fired the opening goal of the entire tournament in the ninth minute, drilling a low shot through the legs of South Africa goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams. The goal followed a South African defensive error, with Sphephelo Sithole caught in possession under pressure from the raucous home crowd. Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez added a header in the 67th minute — his 46th international goal, tying him with Jared Borgetti for second place in Mexico's all-time scoring charts. Jiménez, who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers in England, has worn a protective headguard since fracturing his skull in a 2020 Premier League match.
South Africa's evening unravelled further through the red cards. Sithole was dismissed in the 49th minute for a foul denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, while Themba Zwane was sent off in the 84th minute following a VAR review for an arm to the face of Roberto Alvarado. Mexico's César Montes was also dismissed in injury time for a challenge on Khuliso Mudau, making it the first time three players have been sent off in a World Cup opening match. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre, who played for El Tri when the country last hosted the World Cup in 1986, acknowledged his side could improve but was satisfied with the result. South Africa coach Hugo Broos said his team had faced a higher level of competition than they had encountered before and pledged improvement.
This edition of the World Cup is the largest in history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and featuring 104 matches across 16 venues in the three co-hosting nations — Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The tournament will conclude in the New York and New Jersey area after 39 days of competition. Mexico, whose recent World Cup history has been marked by seven consecutive round-of-16 eliminations, now sit top of Group A with three points and face South Korea next Thursday in Guadalajara. South Africa take on the Czech Republic on the same day in Atlanta.