Solid Mexico Blank South Africa in 2-0 Win
On 11 June 2026 at the Mexico City Stadium in Ciudad de México, Mexico delivered a commanding performance to defeat South Africa 2-0 in front of 80,824 fans under cloudy skies. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring early in the 9th minute, and Raul Jiménez added a second-half header to seal the victory. South Africa's task was made considerably harder after Sphephelo Sithole was sent off early in the second half, and later Themba Zwane also saw red, leaving the visitors with nine men. Despite a late red card for Mexico's César Montes, the hosts comfortably held on to keep a clean sheet and secure a solid win in their World Cup campaign.
Key Events
9' - Érik Lira assisted Julián Quiñones to score, making it 1-0 for Mexico.
17' - Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) was shown a yellow card.
23' - Brian Gutiérrez (Mexico) was shown a yellow card.
45' - Two minutes of added time were indicated.
45' - Half time. Mexico led 1-0.
49' - Sphephelo Sithole (South Africa) was shown a straight red card, reducing South Africa to ten men.
56' - Substitution: Thalente Mbatha replaced Lyle Foster for South Africa.
61' - Substitution: Themba Zwane replaced Jayden Adams for South Africa.
66' - Substitution: Luis Chávez replaced Brian Gutiérrez for Mexico.
66' - Substitution: Gilberto Mora replaced Álvaro Fidalgo for Mexico.
67' - Roberto Alvarado set up Raul Jiménez who headed home to make it 2-0 for Mexico.
74' - Nkosinathi Sibisi (South Africa) was shown a yellow card.
76' - Substitution: Edson Álvarez replaced Érik Lira for Mexico.
76' - Substitution: Armando González replaced Raul Jiménez for Mexico.
76' - Substitution: Evidence Makgopa replaced Iqraam Rayners for South Africa.
76' - Substitution: Oswin Appollis replaced Aubrey Modiba for South Africa.
79' - Substitution: Alexis Vega replaced Julián Quiñones for Mexico.
84' - Themba Zwane (South Africa) was shown a red card, leaving South Africa with nine men.
90' - Six minutes of added time were indicated.
90+2' - César Montes (Mexico) was shown a red card.
Lineup
Coaches
Substitutes
Bench
Stats
