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
The home side led 1-0 at half-time and doubled that advantage in the 67th minute, then managed the closing stages after a match that turned more fractured as cards piled up. With 80824 in attendance, Mexico backed up their opening-day lead in the table and left South Africa without a point from their first match.
The first breakthrough arrived in the 9th minute when Mexico scored the opening goal, a fast start that immediately put South Africa under pressure. From there, the result felt tied to the numbers: Mexico finished with 2 goals, South Africa with 0, and the final scoreline matched the control shown on the day.
Discipline shaped the later stages as much as the score. South Africa were booked in the 17th minute, then again saw yellow in the 74th minute, but the more damaging moments came with red cards in the 49th and 84th minutes. Mexico also picked up a yellow in the 23rd minute and a red in the 90th minute, leaving the match with six cards in total.
For Norway, the timing made this an easy fixture to track on a Thursday night, and the opening-round context gave the game extra weight for readers following World Cup Group A. Mexico now sit on 3 points after 1 played, while South Africa stay on 0 points after 1 played, a split that already separates first from fourth.
Mexico's early goal in the 9th minute and their second in the 67th minute were the decisive details, while South Africa's 2 red cards underlined how hard it became for them to recover. With Round 1 now completed for both sides, Mexico have the points and the goal difference that matter most, and South Africa will need a response after a night that never moved back in their favour.
Prediction (opinion) was not included because this was a finished match, and the result now stands as the key reference point for the group. For fans in Norway, the next question is how both teams build on this opening outcome in World Cup Group A.
Pre-Match Analysis · Full Time
World Cup Group A opens at Estadio Azteca with Mexico and South Africa meeting in Round 1, and the setting alone will give this fixture real weight. Javier Aguirre's home side will want to turn the night in Mexico into an early statement, while Hugo Broos' South Africa will arrive with the same simple aim: leave Round 1 with momentum. For fans in Norway, the kick-off lands at Thursday 11 June, 21:00 CEST, with TV 2 and Discovery+ carrying the game for those tracking the group from home. In a section built around first impressions, this is the sort of match that can shape the tone of World Cup Group A before the rest of the section settles in.
Mexico's edge at Estadio Azteca will be one of the obvious storylines, because the venue itself gives Aguirre a platform before a ball is kicked. South Africa, under Broos, will need to be disciplined in how they manage the opening spell, especially if Mexico set the tempo early and turn the crowd and familiar surroundings into pressure. In a Round 1 game, the first hour often matters as much as the final stretch, and both coaches will know that an opening result can influence the rest of the section. Norway-based viewers following on TV 2 or Discovery+ will see a match that asks which side can handle the occasion fastest rather than which side can simply control possession.
There is also the broader rhythm of a group-stage opener to consider. Mexico will be expected to make use of the familiarity around Estadio Azteca, and that should make their early decisions sharper in the eyes of their supporters. South Africa, meanwhile, will look for the sort of away-day control that keeps the match alive deep into the second half, especially in a fixture where Round 1 points can alter the order of the section quickly. For Norway fans watching on TV 2 and Discovery+, that contrast between home comfort and away resilience will be one of the central themes, and it gives the match a clear football reason to watch from the first whistle.
The coaches add another layer to the evening. Aguirre will bring Mexico into a home environment that demands authority, while Broos will need South Africa to stay organised against that backdrop. In World Cup Group A, that balance between confidence and caution can decide whether a team starts with control or spends the night chasing the game. Norway viewers will get an early sense of which approach lands first, and that makes the opening spell especially important. If Mexico can use Estadio Azteca as intended, they will take the sort of early edge every Round 1 side wants; if South Africa can blunt that, the story shifts quickly.
Prediction (opinion)
Our call: Mexico 2-1 South Africa. Mexico's home setting at Estadio Azteca and South Africa's task away under Hugo Broos make the hosts the likelier starters in Round 1.
Whatever the first impression, this Round 1 meeting in World Cup Group A will tell Norway fans plenty about how both teams intend to begin the section.
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 Norway have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Check official Norway broadcast partners or your local rights holder for confirmed coverage.
Mexico vs South Africa kicks off at 21:00 CEST in Norway on Friday 11 June 2026.
Local broadcast partners for Norway have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Check official Norway broadcast partners or your local rights holder for confirmed coverage.
No injuries or suspensions are listed for either Mexico or South Africa.
Mexico and South Africa have no wins, no draws, and no losses across the last 8 meetings listed.
This is World Cup Group A, Round 1, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico.
Status
Finished
Attendance
80,824
Minute
90+3'
Winner
Mexico
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