Mexico vs South Africa Live Score: No Ochoa as co-hosts start favourites

Co-host nation Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 2-0 victory over South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, delivering an intense and chaotic curtain-raiser marked by goals, red cards, and a roaring home crowd.

Mexico entered the match as clear favourites despite veteran goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa not starting the tournament opener. The match also marked a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opening game, which ended in a 1-1 draw when South Africa hosted the tournament. (New York Post)

Julian Quiñones gave Mexico an early lead before veteran striker Raúl Jiménez sealed the victory in the second half as South Africa struggled after being reduced to nine men. (The Sun)

Mexico Dominates Early at Estadio Azteca

Mexico started aggressively in front of more than 80,000 fans at Estadio Azteca, pressing South Africa from the opening whistle.

Julian Quiñones scored in the ninth minute after sustained attacking pressure forced a defensive breakdown inside the South African penalty area. Mexico continued to dominate possession and chances throughout the first half, with South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams making several key saves to keep the scoreline close. (The Indian Express)

The atmosphere inside the stadium intensified after a star-studded opening ceremony featuring performances by Shakira and Burna Boy before kickoff. (The Sun)

Three Red Cards Turn Match Chaotic

The game became increasingly physical during the second half.

South Africa midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was sent off after a dangerous challenge, and shortly afterward Raúl Jiménez doubled Mexico’s lead with a composed finish. Later in the match, South Africa’s Themba Zwane also received a red card, reducing the African side to nine players. Mexico defender César Montes was sent off in injury time, bringing the total number of dismissals to three. (AP News)

The match immediately became one of the most talked-about World Cup openers in recent history because of its physicality and disciplinary incidents.

No Ochoa in Starting Lineup

One of the major talking points before kickoff was the absence of veteran Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa from the starting lineup.

Ochoa, who would become one of the few players in football history to appear in six FIFA World Cups, remained part of Mexico’s squad but was left out of the opening starting eleven by coach Javier Aguirre. (New York Post)

Mexico’s victory provided an important confidence boost for the hosts, who are seeking their best World Cup run since reaching the quarter-finals during previous tournaments held on home soil in 1970 and 1986.

Tournament Begins Across North America

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada and marks the first edition of the tournament expanded to 48 teams.

Mexico will next face South Korea in Group A action, while South Africa is scheduled to play the Czech Republic in its second group-stage match. (AP News)

The tournament runs through July and includes a record 104 matches across North America.