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Estadio Azteca Ignites: Mexico Opens Its World Cup in Blood, Sweat and Glory

By your special correspondent in Mexico | Edition of 12 June 2026
Mexico trembled, then Mexico triumphed. In a boiling Estadio Azteca, El Tri defeated South Africa 2-0 in an electric opening match.

An opening ceremony suspended in time

Before the ball rolled, the stadium became a theatre of memory and colour. Aztec rhythms, North American choreography and a nod to South Africa 2010 filled the pitch. A brief pyrotechnic haze even delayed the symbolic kick-off, adding a touch of mystery to the party.

The match: relief after the storm

South Africa played with courage and physical power, forcing Mexico into a difficult start. The release came through Julian Quiñones, before Raul Jiménez sealed the 2-0 win. The match grew tense after the break, with hard tackles and red cards reminding everyone how heavy the opening-night pressure can be.

The moments around the match

Supporters wore masks and carried trophy replicas, convinced that history could repeat itself in Mexico. The atmosphere remained electric until the final whistle. Even a reported dressing-room air-conditioning issue added another small story to an already dramatic opening night.

Mexico did what a host nation must do: survive the first wave of pressure and take the three points. The tone of the tournament is set.
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