Hugo Broos’ side were on the back foot for long spells, punished early when Quinones capitalised on a defensive error to give Mexico the lead. From there, the hosts dictated possession and territory, steadily pinning Bafana back and forcing repeated defensive interventions.
The party has started in Mexico 🇲🇽🥳
Julián Quiñones gets the #FIFAWorldCuo opener 🤩💫
📺 Stream on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc #DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 | @CocaCola pic.twitter.com/yVOPptPM5h
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 11, 2026
READ: Player profiles: Bafana Bafana World Cup squad
South Africa did show moments of resistance. Ronwen Williams produced key saves to deny Jimenez, while Mbokazi and Modiba offered the occasional outlet. But too often the final ball broke down, and Mexico’s pressure never fully relented.
The game tilted further early in the second half when Sithole was dismissed for a last man challenge on the edge of the box. From there, Bafana were forced into survival mode, chasing the ball and absorbing wave after wave of Mexican attacks.
Mexico eventually doubled their lead through Jimenez, who rose unmarked to head home a precise cross.
Mexico’s talisman does it for the hosts 🎯🇲🇽
Raúl Jiménez doubles the lead for the home nation ⚽⚽
📺 Stream #FIFAWorldCup2026 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/5QQXDvIIAz
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 11, 2026
Any lingering hope for South Africa disappeared when Zwane was also shown a red card for striking an opponent, leaving Broos’ side completely exposed and down to nine men.
Bafana Bafana are down to nine men 🤯🟥
Themba Zwane reiceves the second red card of the night ❌❌
📺 Stream #FIFAWorldCup2026 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc #DStvFIFAWorldCuo2026 | #EverythingCanWait pic.twitter.com/Rk59B5Yagp
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 11, 2026
Watch: Bafana Bafana’s Road To 2026
But in a late twist, Mexico were then reduced to ten when Montes was sent off after a reckless challenge on Mudau near the right flank, bringing fresh chaos to the closing stages and briefly shifting the balance back to 9 v 10.
Despite that moment, Mexico managed the final minutes with composure, seeing out a deserved win as South Africa’s discipline unravelled at the worst possible time.
For Broos and Bafana, it is back to the drawing board and a brutal introduction to World Cup football.
Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images
