Mexico vs. South Africa player ratings: Who starred as the hosts make the perfect start

Mexico claimed their first-ever World Cup opening-match victory as Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez struck in a dominant 2–0 win over South Africa at Estadio Azteca.

Quiñones scored the tournament's first goal in the ninth minute after capitalising on a defensive error, before Jiménez headed home from Roberto Alvarado's cross at 67 minutes.

South Africa's discipline collapsed with two red cards reducing them to nine men, while César Montes' late dismissal added an unwanted footnote to an otherwise commanding host performance.

DAZN News rates each set of players and names our Player of the Match. 

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Player of the Match

Julián Quiñones (Mexico)

Julián Quiñones delivered the moment that opened the 2026 World Cup, capitalising on Sithole's error to score the tournament's first goal with a clinical right-footed finish in the ninth minute.

He remained Mexico's most dangerous attacking threat throughout, striking the post at 42 minutes and forcing Williams into a second-half save with a long-range effort.

His directness constantly unsettled South Africa's defence, drawing fouls and creating space for teammates. Quiñones set the tone for Mexico's victory with a performance of sustained threat and composure.

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Mexico vs South Africa player ratings 

Mexico

Raúl Rangel (7.0): Comfortable saves from Mbokazi and Appollis preserved the clean sheet.

Israel Reyes (6.8): Consistent outlet on the right, delivered crosses and linked with Alvarado.

César Montes (5.8): Commanded the defence before late red card for last-man foul.

Johan Vásquez (6.9): Composed on the ball, progressed possession and won aerial duels.

Jesús Gallardo (6.9): Active on the left flank but fired wide from promising rebound.

Érik Lira (7.0): Decisive tackle dispossessed Sithole, providing the assist for the opener.

Brian Gutiérrez (5.9): Frustrated evening as he squandered multiple clear chances before substitution.

Álvaro Fidalgo (6.3): Limited central influence as Mexico's attack favoured the flanks.

Roberto Alvarado (7.5): Delivered the cross for Jiménez's header, threatened throughout from the right.

Julián Quiñones (8.4): Scored the tournament's first goal and struck the post at 42 minutes.

Raúl Jiménez (8.0): Headed home the decisive second; physical presence troubled South Africa constantly.

Subs

Luis Chávez (6.6): Steady presence in midfield after entering at 66 minutes.

Gilberto Mora (6.4): Tournament's youngest player showed confidence on the ball and dispossessed Mokoena.

Edson Álvarez (6.5): Added defensive solidity in central midfield during chaotic closing stages.

Armando González (6.2): Limited involvement after replacing Jiménez; penalised for attacking foul late on.

Alexis Vega (6.3): Brief late cameo with minimal opportunity to influence proceedings.

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South Africa

Ronwen Williams (6.8): Denied Jiménez early with sharp save; conceded twice without fault.

Khuliso Mudau (5.9): Struggled defensively but drew Montes' red card with late dribble.

Ime Okon (5.8): Part of a back line unable to cope with Mexico's movement.

Nkosinathi Sibisi (5.8): Booked for fouling Quiñones; consistently second to the ball throughout.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi (6.3): South Africa's most active outfield player; long-range shot comfortably saved.

Aubrey Modiba (5.7): Unable to gain any midfield foothold against dominant hosts.

Yaya Sithole (4.2): Disastrous display—error led to goal, then sent off at 49 minutes.

Teboho Mokoena (6.0): Received tournament's first yellow card; overrun in central areas.

Jayden Adams (5.8): Chased shadows in midfield before early withdrawal at 61 minutes.

Iqraam Rayners (5.7): Isolated up front; failed to register a shot or clear chance.

Lyle Foster (5.8): Headed wide first half; sacrificed at 56 minutes following red card.

Subs

Thalente Mbatha (5.8): Introduced at 56 minutes for defensive cover after the red card.

Themba Zwane (3.8): Appearance ended in disgrace with red card for striking Alvarado.

Oswin Appollis (5.9): Brightest late spark; forced Rangel into a comfortable save at 81 minutes.

Evidence Makgopa (5.6): Starved of service with nine men; made no impact whatsoever.

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