Mexico controlled the first half of the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and deservedly led South Africa 1-0 at the break in Mexico City.
South Africa started with a cautious 5-3-2 shape and refused to press high during the opening stages. Mexico used that space well, dominated possession and repeatedly pushed the game into the South African half.
Ronwen Williams kept South Africa alive early on with a strong low save from Raul Jimenez. Mexico kept attacking through wide areas, especially down the right, while South Africa struggled to move the ball forward.
The opening goal arrived in the 11th minute after a costly mistake from Williams. Under pressure, he played a short pass into trouble and Julian Quinones reacted quickly, raced through and finished confidently past the goalkeeper.
Mexico continued to create chances after taking the lead. Julian Quinones nearly scored again with a low strike that hit the post, while Jiménez also forced another strong save from Williams.
South Africa improved after conceding. Their forwards began pressing higher up the pitch with more support from midfield, and they finally created a few openings. Lyle Foster headed wide from their first clear chance of the match.
Williams produced several important saves to keep the score at 1-0. Without his reactions, Mexico could easily have carried a far bigger lead into half-time.
Mexico’s main weakness came during defensive transitions. Their aggressive positioning left spaces behind the midfield and full-backs. South Africa looked more dangerous once they attacked those areas with quicker counters and extra runners moving into the box.
