Mexico started ahead in the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With a goal from Quiñones in the 8th minute of the first half, the home team leads 1-0 against South Africa. The game is still in progress, with the score atMEX 1 – 0 AFSand the clock showing around 15 minutes of the 1st half.
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The Mexican fans filled the legendary Azteca Stadium and are already celebrating the dream start to the competition. The goal that opened the scoring was historic: the first of the 2026 World Cup.
Minute by minute: main moves up to 15 minutes of the 1st half
- 00′– Ball rolling! The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially started in Azteca. Mexico and South Africa enter the field with the protocol followed and the fans already pushing hard.
- 01′– Mexico exchanges passes in the first minutes and the fans shout “olé”. Every time South Africa picks up the ball, they hear intense booing from the stands.
- 02′– Modiba commits a foul and Mexico gets a chance for a dangerous cross in the South African area.
- 03′– Gutiérrez risks a direct shot, but the ball stops in the opponent’s marking.
- 04′– Raúl Jiménez receives a cross at the edge of the area, finishes strongly and Williams makes a great save. First clear arrival from Mexico.
- 04′– South Africa counterattack with Foster, who forces a wrong pass and passes the ball to the Mexican goalkeeper.
- 06′– Mexico intensifies the pressure in the opening minutes and dominates possession.
- 08′–MEXICO GOAL!Quiñones scores the first goal of the 2026 World Cup. South Africa makes a mistake on the way out with Sithole, Lira makes a tackle and the number 16 finishes low inside the area. Azteca explodes!
- 10′– Mexico controls the game with passes in the defense field, remaining calm after opening the scoring.
- 12′– New Mexican arrival on the left. Corner for the home team.
- 12′– Raúl Jiménez goes free in the corner, but heads poorly and Williams defends without fear.
- 13′– South Africa tries to hold on to possession, but the Mexican fans respond with lots of boos.
Mexico showed superiority in the first minutes. The high pressure had an effect and the goal came naturally after a mistake by the South African defense. Quiñones, coldly, did not forgive and sent the crowd into ecstasy.
Despite the advantage, South Africa tries to react and come out more in the game. The South African coach must adjust the ball output, which has already shown serious flaws. On the Mexican side, the team maintains possession and explores the sides of the field.
The energy at Azteca is impressive. Flags, songs and a continuous party mark the opening of the competition. Ronaldinho Gaúcho, present in the broadcast booth, was thrilled with the Mexican goal and reinforced the good relationship with the local public.
Mexico’s players seem looser and enjoy the support of the fans. South Africa, in turn, needs to improve compaction to avoid new dangerous counterattacks.
So far, Mexico controls the actions and deserves the advantage. However, it is still early and the game remains open. The African team has the quality to seek a draw.
Live update:the score remainsMexico 1-0 South Africa. The ball keeps rolling at Azteca and Mix Vale’s minute-by-minute coverage continues in real time.
The duel has everything to be exciting. Mexico seeks to expand, while South Africa tries to reorganize lines and explore spaces.
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In the next few minutes, the expectation is for more intensity. Mexico wants to keep the pace high, and South Africa needs to show a reaction to not let the game slip away from the beginning.
The fans at Azteca don’t stop singing. The atmosphere is one of pure celebration for Quiñones’ historic goal, which has already entered the history of the competition.
Summary timeline of key moments:
- Pre-game: Warm-up for both teams, presentation by Shakira and flags of the countries.
- Busy start with Mexican possession.
- Goal in the 8th minute changing the course of the match.
- South Africa’s attempts to react.
- Mexico managing the advantage until the 15th minute.
The game continues! Follow all updates directly on the Mix Vale portal.