Mexico opened its FIFA World Cup schedule on Thursday by earning three points on home soil. Julian Quinones opened the scoring for El Tri before Raul Jimenez celebrated his first World Cup goal in a 2-0 Group A victory over South Africa at Mexico City Stadium. It also marked a first time ever in a FIFA World Cup opening match where there was red cards between the two teams.Quinones needed just nine minutes to break the deadlock after a give away from South Africa allowed the versatile winger to slot home. South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams played a pass to Sphephelo Sithole, who lost possession allowing Quinones to drill a powerful shot through the five hole of Williams. MEXICO SCORES THE FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP It's Julián Quiñones in the scoresheet! pic.twitter.com/SnoP04ltFP— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 11, 2026Sithole’s afternoon got even worse in the 49th minute after bundling over Brian Gutierrez on a breakaway and seeing a straight red card. Jimenez doubled Mexico’s lead after the hour mark, heading home his first-career World Cup goal in his fourth tournament. Roberto Alvarado’s dangerous cross allowed the streaking Jimenez to head home at the far post for a 2-0 El Tri lead. The goal was Jimenez’s 46th in Mexico colors, tying him with Jared Borgetti for second all-time in the program’s ranks. Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez leads the way with 52 goals. RAUL JIMÉNEZ FIRST-EVER FIFA WORLD CUP GOAL! pic.twitter.com/Kit2ENm24M— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 11, 2026Themba Zwane was also sent off for South Africa with six minutes to play after catching Alvarado in the face while trying to race into the El Tri box. Mexico will also be without a key player for its second group stage match as defender Cesar Montes was also sent off for hacking down Khuliso Mudau on a counter attack. Javier Aguirre’s squad would hang on though for a key three points, moving top of Group A with two matches to play. Up next for El Tri is a date with Son Heung-Min and South Korea on June 18 while South Africa’s road doesn’t get any easier against Czechia on the same day.