Mexico kicked off the FIFA World Cup 2026 in front of a jubilant home crowd at Estadio Azteca on Thursday, with Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scoring in a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament’s opening match.
A crowd of 80,824 packed the iconic stadium, creating a festive atmosphere after a star-studded opening ceremony featuring performances by Shakira and other international artists. The energy inside the Azteca carried into the match as Mexico delivered a performance worthy of the occasion.
Quiñones wrote his name into World Cup history by scoring the tournament’s first goal just nine minutes into the contest. The forward capitalized on an opportunity inside the box to give the hosts an early advantage and spark celebrations among the sea of green-clad supporters.
The goal was the earliest opening-match strike at a World Cup since Germany’s Philipp Lahm scored six minutes into the 2006 tournament opener.
Mexico continued to control proceedings throughout the evening, dominating possession and creating the better chances. The hosts registered 16 shots and rarely looked troubled defensively, with goalkeeper Raúl Rangel enjoying a relatively comfortable night.
The defining moment, however, belonged to veteran striker Raúl Jiménez.
Making his fourth World Cup appearance, the 35-year-old finally scored his first goal on football’s biggest stage when he met Roberto Alvarado’s cross with a clinical header in the 67th minute. Jiménez was visibly emotional after finding the net, with the achievement marking a significant milestone in a career that has included remarkable highs and serious injury setbacks.
The Azteca erupted as fans threw sombreros into the air and celebrated the goal long after the ball had crossed the line. When Jiménez was substituted later in the match, he received a standing ovation from supporters who recognized the significance of the moment.
“It was a special moment,” commentators noted as the striker fought back tears after ending his long wait for a World Cup goal.
The evening was about more than the result. It marked the official start of the largest World Cup in history and another historic chapter for Estadio Azteca, which became the first stadium to host three World Cup opening matches.
From the opening ceremony to the final whistle, Mexico City provided a fitting stage for the launch of football’s biggest tournament. With Quiñones delivering the first goal of the competition and Jiménez producing the night’s most emotional moment, the hosts gave their supporters plenty to celebrate as the 2026 World Cup got underway.
Mexico now begins its Group A campaign with momentum and confidence, while fans will remember the opening night for its atmosphere, emotion and the unforgettable scenes that accompanied Jiménez’s long-awaited World Cup breakthrough.