Historical precedent… Mexico breaks two knots after 96 years

The Mexican national team achieved a historic precedent today, Thursday, in the opening of the 2026 World Cup, defeating South Africa (2-0) at the ancient Azteca Stadium.

Mexico took the lead in the opening match of the World Cup for the first time in their history, although this was the seventh time they were playing in the opening match of the World Cup.

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Mexico took the lead with the first goal through Saudi Al-Qadisiya star Julián Quiñones in the 9th minute, before Raul Jimenez killed the game with the second goal in the 67th minute to give El Tricolor their first win in World Cup opening games history.

The following is a list of Mexico’s opening matches at the World Cup throughout history.

1930France 4-1 Mexico (first match in World Cup history)

1950Brazil 4-0 Mexico

1954Brazil 5-0 Mexico (one of the opening games)

1958Sweden 3-0 Mexico

1962Brazil 2-0 Mexico (one of the opening games)

1970 Mexico 0-0 Soviet Union

2010South Africa 1-1 Mexico