Mexico fans celebrate Tricolor's first win in 2026 World Cup

Mexico City erupted in celebration as the Mexican national team secured its first win of the 2026 World Cup, defeating South Africa 2-1 in a historic opening match at the iconic Mexico City Stadium. The atmosphere was electric, with over 80,000 fans filling the stands to witness the tournament's inauguration.

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Long live Mexico and long live football!

From the pre-game warm-ups, the South African team, known as Bafana Bafana, was met with loud boos. Throughout the match, popular Mexican songs filled the stadium during breaks, encouraging the crowd to sing and dance. FIFA ambassador Salma Hayek kicked off the festivities, exclaiming "Long live Mexico and long live football!" before the parade of national flags and a new ceremony of anthems.

The match itself was a tense affair. Julián Quiñones scored the opening goal for Mexico, sending the stadium into a frenzy. The expulsion of South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole early in the second half was met with cheers, further fueling the home crowd's energy. However, as the game progressed, a slight impatience emerged among some fans who urged the team to increase their lead, with occasional whistles heard.

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The first goal is scored by the Azteca.

The mood shifted dramatically with the introduction of young star Gilberto Mora, who received a standing ovation. This substitution seemed to energize the team, and the connection between the fans and the players was re-established when Raúl Jiménez scored his first World Cup goal, sealing the 2-1 victory. The win ignited hope among Mexican fans, marking a significant first step in their World Cup campaign.

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This is more than a game, it is our DNA.