Round 1 ·
Mexico
WinnerHT: 1-0
South Africa
Updated:
Half Time
1–0
90 Min
2–0
Goal Scorers
Assists
Ball Possession
Corners
Counter Attacks
Fouls
Free Kicks
Goal Attempts
Goal Kicks
Goals
Offsides
Red Cards
Saves
Shots Off Target
Shots On Target
Substitutions
Throws In
Treatments
Yellow Cards
Attacks
Dangerous Attacks
Total Passes
Mexico
Goalkeeper
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Unknown
South Africa
Goalkeeper
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Unknown
Post-Match Analysis · Full Time
South Africa finished with 0 points from 1 game and a goal difference of -2, so the gap between the sides was clear in the table as soon as the final whistle went at 90 minutes. For readers in Cyprus, the match also fitted neatly into Thursday 11 June, 22:00 EEST through Cytavision, giving local fans a late-night view of Mexico's controlled start.
South Africa's 0 goals for and 2 goals against told the same story as the scoreboard, while Mexico's 2 goals for and 0 against reflected a compact, efficient performance at Estadio Azteca.
Discipline shaped the contest as much as the goals. South Africa collected a yellow card in the 17th minute, then Mexico picked up one in the 23rd, before South Africa's red card in the 49th minute tilted the balance further. Another South Africa yellow card arrived in the 74th minute, followed by a second South Africa red card in the 84th minute, and Mexico also ended with a red card in the 90th minute.
Mexico's place at 1 in the table now carries the weight of 3 points, while South Africa's position at 4 leaves them needing a response after 1 game. The 3-point gap to second place, with Mexico on 3 and Czechia on 0, also underlined why the opening win mattered beyond the 90 minutes. In a World Cup Group A that began with Mexico at the top and South Africa bottom after the same first round of games, the next step will be about protecting that start and turning 2 goals and 0 conceded into a platform.
The clean sheet, the 2 goals, and the 3 points gave Mexico the early edge in World Cup Group A, while South Africa left Round 1 still searching for their first breakthrough.
Pre-Match Analysis · Full Time
Mexico will open World Cup Group A Round 1 against South Africa at Estadio Azteca on Thursday 11 June, 22:00 EEST, a fixture that gives Cyprus fans a clear late-night window to settle in for a first look at both sides. Javier Aguirre's Mexico will carry home-field expectation into a meeting that arrives with no margin for either team once the competition starts. For readers in Cyprus, the timing and the broadcast on Cytavision make this one of the easier World Cup Group A openers to track live from Asia/Nicosia.
At this stage, the most important detail is the contrast in setting. Mexico will have Estadio Azteca behind them, while South Africa under Hugo Broos will face the trip and the noise of a famous venue. That matters because World Cup Group A Round 1 is where early control can shape the tone of a campaign, and the home side's task will be to turn familiar surroundings into momentum. For South Africa, the test will be whether Broos can organise his team quickly enough to keep the game stable early on.
The coaches add another layer to the contest. Javier Aguirre will look to make Mexico decisive in the moments when the match becomes stretched, while Hugo Broos will want South Africa compact and difficult to move. With no scoreline in play yet, the emphasis falls on structure, patience and the first exchanges. In a game staged at Estadio Azteca, the opening phase can matter as much as the closing one, especially when both teams know Round 1 points are the base for the whole group picture.
World Cup Group A Round 1 often rewards the team that handles the moment rather than the team that speaks loudest before kickoff, and Mexico's assignment at Estadio Azteca will be to set the tempo from the first whistle. South Africa will arrive with Hugo Broos looking for discipline and clarity, because a steady first showing can shape how a group campaign unfolds. The meeting is also neatly placed for Cyprus viewers, who can follow it at a workable hour and measure both teams against the demands of a first match.
For Mexico, the immediate task is to justify the home setting; for South Africa, it is to leave Estadio Azteca with a platform rather than a problem. That is what Round 1 brings into focus, and it is why the opening hour in Cyprus time will matter just as much as the final whistle.
Johan Vasquez from Mexico intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
South Africa take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Thalente Mbatha makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
South Africa take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ball possession: Mexico: 61%, South Africa: 39%.
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Luis Chavez relieves the pressure with a clearance
HE'S OFF! - Cesar Montes is shown a red card! Heavy protests from his teammates!
The referee signals a free kick as Cesar Montes from Mexico trips Khuliso Mudau
South Africa start a counter attack
The fourth official shows there are 7 minute(s) of time to be added
The ref blows his whistle. Mbekezeli Mbokazi charged Edson Alvarez from behind and it's a free-kick
Edson Alvarez makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Oswin Appollis makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Mexico: 61%, South Africa: 39%.
Goal kick for Mexico
Armando Gonzalez hand-balls
Armando Gonzalez controls the ball with his hand
Mexico are trying to create something here.
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Thalente Mbatha makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Mexico are trying to create something here.
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Ball possession: Mexico: 59%, South Africa: 41%.
Goal kick for South Africa
HE'S OFF! - Themba Zwane is shown a red card! Heavy protests from his teammates!
CARD! - After reviewing the situation, the referee decides to show a card for Themba Zwane from South Africa.
VAR - CARD! - The referee has stopped the play. VAR check in progress, a potential card for a player from South Africa.
Themba Zwane from South Africa commits a foul by elbowing Roberto Alvarado
South Africa are trying to create something here.
Ball possession: Mexico: 59%, South Africa: 41%.
Gilberto Mora from Mexico goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Teboho Mokoena
Nkosinathi Sibisi from South Africa intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Mexico take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Julian Quinones is leaving the field to be replaced by Alexis Vega in a tactical substitution.
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Today's attendance is 80824
Aubrey Maphosa Modiba is leaving the field to be replaced by Oswin Appollis in a tactical substitution.
Iqraam Rayners is leaving the field to be replaced by Evidence Makgopa in a tactical substitution.
Raul Jimenez is leaving the field to be replaced by Armando Gonzalez in a tactical substitution.
Erik Lira is leaving the field to be replaced by Edson Alvarez in a tactical substitution.
The referee signals a free kick as Luis Chavez from Mexico trips Aubrey Maphosa Modiba
Ime Okon relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ball possession: Mexico: 57%, South Africa: 43%.
Yellow card for Nkosinathi Sibisi
Nkosinathi Sibisi is shown a yellow card by the referee
Dangerous challenge by Nkosinathi Sibisi from South Africa. Julian Quinones on the receiving end of that.
Nkosinathi Sibisi makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Mexico are trying to create something here.
Nkosinathi Sibisi makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Raul Jimenez from Mexico is ruled offside
Mexico are trying to create something here.
Mexico take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
South Africa take a throw-in in their own half of the field
The game is restarted
Water break. It's hot out there today and the game is paused so the players can take some liquids on-board.
Julian Quinones made the key pass for the goal!
Raul Jimenez managed to score from an easy position.
Roberto Alvarado provided the assist for the goal.
G O O O A A A L - Raul Jimenez Mexico scores with a header.
The cross by Roberto Alvarado from Mexico successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Alvaro Fidalgo is leaving the field to be replaced by Gilberto Mora in a tactical substitution.
Brian Gutierrez is leaving the field to be replaced by Luis Chavez in a tactical substitution.
Khuliso Mudau relieves the pressure with a clearance
Julian Quinones makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Mexico: 57%, South Africa: 43%.
South Africa take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Goal kick for Mexico
Dangerous challenge by Julian Quinones from Mexico. Khuliso Mudau on the receiving end of that.
Khuliso Mudau makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Jayden Adams is leaving the field to be replaced by Themba Zwane in a tactical substitution.
Roberto Alvarado is penalised for pushing Aubrey Maphosa Modiba
South Africa take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ball possession: Mexico: 58%, South Africa: 42%.
Goal kick for South Africa
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
A chance presents itself to Israel Reyes from Mexico but his header goes wide
The cross by Brian Gutierrez from Mexico successfully finds a teammate in the box.
The referee signals a free kick as Aubrey Maphosa Modiba from South Africa trips Erik Lira
Ime Okon makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Lyle Foster is leaving the field to be replaced by Thalente Mbatha in a tactical substitution.
Aubrey Maphosa Modiba shoots from outside the box, but Jose Rangel has it under control
Aubrey Maphosa Modiba tries his luck from distance but his effort ends up safely in the hands of Jose Rangel
South Africa are trying to create something here.
Ball possession: Mexico: 56%, South Africa: 44%.
South Africa take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
South Africa take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Khuliso Mudau from South Africa intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Roberto Alvarado swings in the ball from a corner on the left, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
Khuliso Mudau relieves the pressure with a clearance
Mexico are trying to create something here.
Goal kick for South Africa
Jesus Gallardo from Mexico sends an effort wide of target
Jesus Gallardo goes for goal, but the shot lacks precision and sails wide
Space opens up for Jesus Gallardo but his finish goes wide of the target. Could have done better there.
Chance! Jesus Gallardo finds some room for a shot but fails to work the keeper. It's a goal kick
Mexico are trying to create something here.
Teboho Mokoena successfully blocks the shot
Raul Jimenez takes the free-kick but it is blocked by the wall
HE'S OFF! - Sphephelo Sithole is shown a red card! Heavy protests from his teammates!
The referee signals a free kick as Sphephelo Sithole from South Africa trips Brian Gutierrez
Mexico are trying to create something here.
Jesus Gallardo relieves the pressure with a clearance
Cesar Montes makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
South Africa are in control of the ball.
Julian Quinones shoots from outside the box, but Ronwen Williams has it under control
Julian Quinones tries his luck from distance but his effort ends up safely in the hands of Ronwen Williams
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Julian Quinones makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
South Africa are trying to create something here.
Goal kick for South Africa
Brian Gutierrez fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box
Ime Okon relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ronwen Williams could cost his team a goal after a defensive blunder.
South Africa are in control of the ball.
The second half is underway
It's over! The referee blows for half time
Ball possession: Mexico: 58%, South Africa: 42%.
Goal kick for South Africa
Brian Gutierrez goes for goal, but his effort was never close to hitting the target.
Julian Quinones creates a scoring opportunity for his teammate
Mexico are trying to create something here.
Raul Jimenez wins an air challenge against Ime Okon
Goal kick for Mexico
South Africa are in control of the ball.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Jesus Gallardo is blocked
Mexico take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
The fourth official shows there are 4 minute(s) of time to be added
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Ronwen Williams relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ball possession: Mexico: 58%, South Africa: 42%.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi shoots from outside the box, but Jose Rangel has it under control
Mbekezeli Mbokazi tries his luck from distance but his effort ends up safely in the hands of Jose Rangel
Israel Reyes from Mexico intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Aubrey Maphosa Modiba from South Africa takes a short corner kick from the right.
Jesus Gallardo from Mexico intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
South Africa are in control of the ball.
The referee signals a free kick as Roberto Alvarado from Mexico trips Mbekezeli Mbokazi
POST! So nearly a goal by Julian Quinones but his finish hits the post!
Brian Gutierrez creates a scoring opportunity for his teammate
Mexico are trying to create something here.
Sphephelo Sithole successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Julian Quinones is blocked
The cross by Alvaro Fidalgo from Mexico successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Nkosinathi Sibisi from South Africa intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Mexico are trying to create something here.
Nkosinathi Sibisi relieves the pressure with a clearance
Roberto Alvarado makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ball possession: Mexico: 56%, South Africa: 44%.
Sphephelo Sithole is penalised for pushing Erik Lira
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Jesus Gallardo wins an air challenge against Iqraam Rayners
South Africa take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Goal kick for Mexico
A chance presents itself to Lyle Foster from South Africa but his header goes wide
The cross by Mbekezeli Mbokazi from South Africa successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ball possession: Mexico: 54%, South Africa: 46%.
Ronwen Williams from South Africa intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Mexico take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Mbekezeli Mbokazi relieves the pressure with a clearance
Mexico are trying to create something here.
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
South Africa take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Aubrey Maphosa Modiba from South Africa is ruled offside
South Africa are in control of the ball.
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Ronwen Williams from South Africa intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ball possession: Mexico: 55%, South Africa: 45%.
Sphephelo Sithole successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Brian Gutierrez is blocked
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Raul Jimenez makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
South Africa are in control of the ball.
Ime Okon relieves the pressure with a clearance
Goal kick for Mexico
The game is restarted
Water break. It's hot out there today and the game is paused so the players can take some liquids on-board.
Ball possession: Mexico: 55%, South Africa: 45%.
Jesus Gallardo from Mexico intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Cesar Montes from Mexico intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Yellow card for Brian Gutierrez
Brian Gutierrez is shown a yellow card by the referee
The referee signals a free kick as Brian Gutierrez from Mexico trips Teboho Mokoena
Jesus Gallardo from Mexico intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Jose Rangel could cost his team a goal after a defensive blunder.
South Africa take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ime Okon from South Africa intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Mexico are trying to create something here.
The referee signals a free kick as Khuliso Mudau from South Africa trips Cesar Montes
Cesar Montes relieves the pressure with a clearance
South Africa are in control of the ball.
The referee signals a free kick as Cesar Montes from Mexico trips Lyle Foster
Ball possession: Mexico: 58%, South Africa: 42%.
Goal kick for South Africa
Julian Quinones fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box
Mexico are trying to create something here.
Cesar Montes wins an air challenge against Lyle Foster
Raul Jimenez wins an air challenge against Ime Okon
Mexico are in control of the ball.
South Africa are in control of the ball.
Yellow card for Teboho Mokoena
Teboho Mokoena is shown a yellow card by the referee
The referee signals a free kick as Teboho Mokoena from South Africa trips Alvaro Fidalgo
Cesar Montes from Mexico intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
South Africa are trying to create something here.
The referee signals a free kick as Brian Gutierrez from Mexico trips Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Aubrey Maphosa Modiba makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Mexico are trying to create something here.
The referee signals a free kick as Sphephelo Sithole from South Africa trips Alvaro Fidalgo
Ball possession: Mexico: 63%, South Africa: 37%.
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
South Africa are in control of the ball.
Safe hands from Ronwen Williams as he comes out and claims the ball
Raul Jimenez from Mexico heads the ball, but it's a terrible effort nowhere near the goal.
Roberto Alvarado from Mexico swings in the corner from the left.
Khuliso Mudau relieves the pressure with a clearance
Mexico are trying to create something here.
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
The referee signals a free kick as Khuliso Mudau from South Africa trips Julian Quinones
Raul Jimenez hand-balls
Raul Jimenez controls the ball with his hand
Ball possession: Mexico: 67%, South Africa: 33%.
Sphephelo Sithole with a bad execution which leads to a goal for the opponent
Erik Lira provided the assist for the goal.
G O O O A A A L - Julian Quinones scores with the right foot!
Erik Lira makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
South Africa take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Goal kick for South Africa
Goal kick for South Africa
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Mexico take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ball possession: Mexico: 52%, South Africa: 48%.
Safe hands from Jose Rangel as he comes out and claims the ball
South Africa start a counter attack
Lyle Foster successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Johan Vasquez is blocked
Mbekezeli Mbokazi from South Africa intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Jose Rangel from Mexico intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Brian Gutierrez swings in the ball from a corner on the left, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
Good effort by Raul Jimenez as he directs a shot on target, but Ronwen Williams saves it
Ronwen Williams makes a crucial save!
The cross by Israel Reyes from Mexico successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Mexico take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Jayden Adams successfully blocks the shot
Brian Gutierrez takes the free-kick but it is blocked by the wall
The referee signals a free kick as Aubrey Maphosa Modiba from South Africa trips Roberto Alvarado
Mexico take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
South Africa are in control of the ball.
Jayden Adams makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Mexico are in control of the ball.
Mexico are in control of the ball.
The pitch is in fantastic condition today and the players are enjoying the surface.
Cloudy conditions overhead at the moment.
Mexico kick-off, and the game is underway.
The referee starts the match
Welcome to Mexico City Stadium, the match will start in about 5 minutes.
Welcome to Mexico City Stadium where the two teams take the field for the start of this match.
Welcome to Mexico City Stadium where we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the two teams
Welcome to Mexico City Stadium, where we await the arrival of today's teams.
Welcome to Mexico City Stadium, now all we need are the two teams.
Welcome to today's crucial game from Mexico City Stadium. We are awaiting the arrival of both teams, in anticipation of a great match!
Local broadcast partners for Cyprus have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Check official Cyprus broadcast partners or your local rights holder for confirmed coverage.
Kickoff in Cyprus is at 22:00 EEST on Thursday 11 June 2026.
Local broadcast partners for Cyprus have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Check official Cyprus broadcast partners or your local rights holder for confirmed coverage.
No injuries or suspensions are listed for Mexico or South Africa in the available data.
Mexico and South Africa have no recorded wins, draws, or losses against each other in the last 8 meetings provided: Mexico wins 0, draws 0, South Africa wins 0.
This is World Cup Group A, Round 1, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico, Mexico.
Status
Finished
Attendance
80,824
Minute
90+3'
Winner
Mexico
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