“Mexico dominates the first half and defeats South Africa in the opening of the World Cup.”

A staggering statistical fact put Mexico in the spotlight right from the start of the 2026 World Cup: Raúl Jiménez and Brian Gutiérrez together made more incursions into the opposing penalty area during the first half than the entire South African team. The dominance was such that, playing in front of their home crowd in Mexico City, the home team left the South Africans virtually gasping for breath, in a competition kickoff that promises to ignite the expectations of Mexican fans.

In the inaugural match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held this Thursday, Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0, delivering a dominating performance that could have seen an even greater margin given what transpired in the first 45 minutes. Forward Julián Quiñones, who plays for Al Qadsiah, opened the scoring just nine minutes in after a suffocating high press forced a turnover from the South African side, firing mercilessly between the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. While Quiñones was the face of the goal, the true stars of the first half were Raúl Jiménez, the offensive reference, and Brian Gutiérrez, the standout attacking midfielder, both entering the opposing area three times each—while the entire South African team managed to do so only twice.

THE 2026 WORLD CUP COMES TO LIFE WITH LEGO

This meteoric start by the Mexicans is anything but irrelevant: in addition to being one of the hosts of the tournament, the robust victory and the way they territorially dominated a tough African team immediately place Mexico among the surprise candidates to go far, defying more conservative expectations. Coach Javier Aguirre seems to have found the right formula to transform the pressure from the public and the responsibility of hosting into sources of strength. “Raúl Jiménez (3) and Brian Gutiérrez (3) had more touches in the opponent’s penalty area than the entire South African team combined (2) in the first half,” the statistical report of the match highlighted, emphasizing Mexico’s superiority.

After the match, Aguirre did not hide his enthusiasm, making it clear that the team is ready to take the spotlight. “We knew we had to come out strong and show the world that we are hosts to be taken seriously,” said the Mexican coach just minutes after the final whistle. Julián Quiñones himself emphasized the team spirit: “Our goal is to go far, and this victory shows what we are capable of when we are united and focused,” said the forward, visibly emotional, still on the pitch.

The context is favorable: with this victory, Mexico comfortably positions itself at the top of the group, putting pressure on direct rivals who still have to play their matches. Moreover, the statistical dominance not only boosts the morale of the squad but also sends a clear warning to the other teams – Aguirre’s side is ready to surprise and does not intend to waste the home advantage. The next challenge will be to maintain this overwhelming pace and avoid the traditional drop in performance that has often penalized the Mexicans in later stages of previous tournaments.

Expectations are now high for the second group stage match, where Mexico will seek to consolidate this momentum and secure early qualification for the Round of 16. With fans in high spirits and a motivated squad, attention turns to Aguirre and his men, who are gaining credibility not only for the victory but also for the dominant and electrifying manner in which it was achieved. The 2026 World Cup is officially underway, and Mexico has already sent a message: they are here to make history and surprise the footballing world.

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