World Cup Opener: Hosts Mexico Beat South Africa; Coach Says Players Overcame Nerves
Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the World Cup opening match, securing their first-ever win in an opening game. Coach Javier Aguirre revealed his players overcame pre-match nervousness and stage fright.
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- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 11:46
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(Mexico City, Central News Agency, Comprehensive Foreign News, 11th) Mexico national team coach Javier Aguirre revealed today that his players overcame pre-match nervousness to defeat South Africa 2-0, securing victory in the World Cup opening match.
According to AFP, Mexico had never won in their previous seven World Cup opening matches, with a record of 5 losses and 2 draws.
However, Aguirre's team controlled the game throughout at the Estadio Azteca against South Africa, successfully earning 3 points in Group A and moving towards advancing to the knockout stage. Aguirre revealed his players had to overcome pre-game tension.
Aguirre said, "At the start of the World Cup, legs naturally shake. In our past 25 games, no one had cramps, but today three players had cramps."
"We were in awe when we saw this stadium, and they were a bit nervous. But we didn't struggle. We could have scored 4 goals; the result would have been completely different."
In the final minutes of the match, some impatient home fans booed Mexico. Mexico is one of the host nations for this World Cup.
Aguirre said he didn't hear the boos, but fans have the right to express themselves. He said, "I didn't hear the boos, but it could have been 4-0. 2-0 is indeed not much. But we got 3 points, which is great."
He added, "If someone booed, it's the Mexican players' responsibility to ensure it doesn't happen again. But it didn't affect us."
Mexico will next face South Korea and the Czech Republic. Aguirre stated they are not fixated on finishing first in Group A, but want to take it step by step, focusing first on preparing for South Korea.
Mexico and South Africa received a combined total of 3 red cards in today's opening match.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos had no complaints about Sphephelo Sithole's red card in the second half, but objected to the red card shown to substitute Themba Zwane late in the game.
He said, "For the first red card, I have nothing to say. But for the second red card, I believe a Mexican player obstructed our player, but the referee made a different decision. So unfortunately, we had to finish the game with 9 men."
"I think our team played a good game. There were moments when Mexico even seemed desperate, not knowing how to find space. But we must work on performing better with the ball in the next game." (Editor: Lu Yingzi) 1150612
According to AFP, Mexico had never won in their previous seven World Cup opening matches, with a record of 5 losses and 2 draws.
However, Aguirre's team controlled the game throughout at the Estadio Azteca against South Africa, successfully earning 3 points in Group A and moving towards advancing to the knockout stage. Aguirre revealed his players had to overcome pre-game tension.
Aguirre said, "At the start of the World Cup, legs naturally shake. In our past 25 games, no one had cramps, but today three players had cramps."
"We were in awe when we saw this stadium, and they were a bit nervous. But we didn't struggle. We could have scored 4 goals; the result would have been completely different."
In the final minutes of the match, some impatient home fans booed Mexico. Mexico is one of the host nations for this World Cup.
Aguirre said he didn't hear the boos, but fans have the right to express themselves. He said, "I didn't hear the boos, but it could have been 4-0. 2-0 is indeed not much. But we got 3 points, which is great."
He added, "If someone booed, it's the Mexican players' responsibility to ensure it doesn't happen again. But it didn't affect us."
Mexico will next face South Korea and the Czech Republic. Aguirre stated they are not fixated on finishing first in Group A, but want to take it step by step, focusing first on preparing for South Korea.
Mexico and South Africa received a combined total of 3 red cards in today's opening match.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos had no complaints about Sphephelo Sithole's red card in the second half, but objected to the red card shown to substitute Themba Zwane late in the game.
He said, "For the first red card, I have nothing to say. But for the second red card, I believe a Mexican player obstructed our player, but the referee made a different decision. So unfortunately, we had to finish the game with 9 men."
"I think our team played a good game. There were moments when Mexico even seemed desperate, not knowing how to find space. But we must work on performing better with the ball in the next game." (Editor: Lu Yingzi) 1150612
FAQ
Did Mexico win their first World Cup opening match?
Yes, this was Mexico's first-ever victory in a World Cup opening match.
What was the final score?
Mexico defeated South Africa with a score of 2-0.
Who is Mexico's next opponent?
Mexico will next face South Korea.