Mexico vs. South Africa box score: Full stats from World Cup Group A match
The FIFA World Cup has finally arrived for its newest edition: 2026 in North America, with Mexico, the United States and Canada joining together as co-hosts.
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It’s going to be the biggest World Cup ever, up to 48 teams for the first time, and it all starts on Thursday when Mexico hosts South Africa. Usually, the host nation plays the first game, but with three hosts, only one could do so, and the Mexican side got the honor.
This is actually the second time these teams have met in an opening match. Back in 2010 in South Africa, the hosts of that tournament were heavy underdogs but scored first. Mexico needed a 79th-minute equalizer from Rafa Marquez to escape with a 1-1 draw.
The Mexican squad will be hoping for a better result this time.
South Africa is in its fourth World Cup and still looking for its first appearance in a knockout round, so getting any kind of result against a partisan crowd would be huge for the South Africans.
Read more Mexico vs. South Africa live score, result, highlights from 2026 World Cup opening match
Below, we’ll keep track of the main events of the match to keep you up to date. The match is slated to kick at 3 p.m. ET.
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Mexico vs. South Africa box score
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| Mexico 1-0 20′ | Mexico | South Africa |
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Shots on goal | 2 | 0 |
| Fouls committed | 0 | 1 |
| Yellow cards | 0 | 1 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
| Corners | 2 | 0 |
| Saves | 0 | 1 |
| Expected goals | 0.41 | 0 |
Mexico vs. South Africa goals
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— 9′: Julian Quinones scores to give Mexico a 1-0 lead.
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Who are the goalies in Mexico vs. South Africa?
The expectation is that Mexico will start Raul Rangel in goal.
South Africa’s top goalie is Ronwen Williams.
We’re keeping track of their save totals in the box above.
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