Here’s Some Trivia From That Mexico vs South Africa Opener
Last update: June 12, 2026
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Here’s some trivia from that Mexico vs South Africa opener.
*Mexico 2-0 South Africa — Match Trivia | June 11, 2026*
*1. Red card record*
3 red cards shown — 2 for South Africa, 1 for Mexico. It’s the most ever in a World Cup opening match.
*2. First-time winners*
First time Mexico have won a World Cup opener. Before this they were 0W-5L-2D. One of those draws was vs South Africa in 2010.
*3. Azteca makes history*
Estadio Azteca became the first stadium to host three different World Cups — 1970, 1986, and 2026.
*4. Fast starter*
Julián Quiñones’ 9th-minute goal is the fastest in a World Cup opener since Philipp Lahm scored after 6 minutes for Germany vs Costa Rica in 2006.
*5. Jiménez joins elite company*
Raúl Jiménez scored his 46th Mexico goal — his first in a World Cup. He’s now tied with Jared Borgetti for 2nd all-time, 6 behind Chicharito.
*6. Teen record*
Gilberto Mora came on at 17 years, 240 days. He’s now the youngest Mexican to play at a World Cup and the 6th-youngest in tournament history.
*7. Double dismissal déjà vu*
South Africa are the first team to have two players sent off in a World Cup match since Netherlands and Portugal both had two in the “Battle of Nuremberg” in 2006.
*8. Card count already climbing*
Just one game into 2026 and we’ve already got 3 red cards. The entire 2022 World Cup in Qatar only had 4.
*9. Payback time*
Mexico lost 1-3 to South Africa in a 2010 friendly and drew 1-1 with them in the 2010 World Cup opener. This was their first win vs Bafana Bafana at a World Cup.
*10. 80,000 strong*
Over 80,000 fans packed the Azteca, mostly in Mexico green. It’s the biggest opening match crowd since 1994 in the U.S.
