# Mexico Ends 96-Year Drought with Historic Victory Over South Africa

*Mexico achieved a historic 2-0 victory over South Africa in the World Cup opener, breaking a 96-year curse.*

June 13, 2026 · Sports

## At a glance

- Mexico wins 2-0 in World Cup opening match, breaking 96-year curse.
- Three red cards issued, a record for a World Cup opening match.
- Julián Quiñones scores third-fastest goal in World Cup opening match history.

Mexico secured a historic 2-0 victory over South Africa in the World Cup opener, breaking a 96-year curse of never winning an opening match. Goals from Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones led Mexico to their first-ever win in a World Cup opening match. The match also set a record with three red cards, the most in a World Cup opening match.

South Africa faced a nightmare start, losing their opener 2-0 to Mexico, the same team they drew 1-1 with in the 2010 World Cup opener. The match saw three red cards, reducing South Africa to nine players and Mexico to ten. South African midfielders Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off, along with Mexican center back César Montes.

Julián Quiñones scored the opening goal within 9 minutes, marking the third-fastest goal in World Cup opening match history. Raúl Jiménez added a second goal in the 67th minute, securing Mexico's victory. The win was celebrated by Mexican fans, who had high hopes given their team's undefeated record at the Azteca Stadium in World Cup matches.

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/sports/mexico-breaks-96-year-curse-world-cup-opening-match