Mixed emotions after opening win
The final whistle at the Azteca confirmed a 2-0 victory for Mexico over South Africa, but the mood across the capital remained far from euphoric. The opening night of the 2026 World Cup for El Tri was met with relief rather than celebration, a reflection of lingering doubts after the group-stage exit four years earlier.
Fans clad in green filled the Angel of Independence roundabout, transforming Calle Río Sena into a river of beer and cheer. In Roma Norte, the well-heeled district an hour north of the stadium, many shirts still carried the creases of the shop, hinting at a fanbase increasingly drawn from the diaspora rather than the hardcore Liga MX regulars priced out of the tournament.
"A persistent theme over the first few days is how the fans who regularly go to Liga MX games have been priced out," observed one local report.
Down the road from the stadium, in a modest bar off Avenida del Imán, the atmosphere was more ambivalent. Couples danced outside, but the talk was of two gripes: the shaky performance in the first half and the staggering ticket costs that kept many loyal supporters at home. Still, there was an undercurrent of optimism. After the nightmare of 2022, Mexico had taken a steady first step.
Jimenez ends World Cup drought
For Raúl Jiménez, the night carried deep personal meaning. In his fourth World Cup, the Fulham striker finally found the net on football’s biggest stage, prodding home from close range to seal the win. It was a moment of redemption for a player whose international career has been a story of perseverance through injury and setbacks.
Jimenez’s goal lifted the weight of history. Mexico’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League era, he had never quite translated that form to World Cups. The relief was palpable as he wheeled away in celebration, pointing to the sky. Team-mates mobbed him, recognising the significance for a veteran who has endured so much.
Korea clash promises carnival atmosphere
If the opener was a ceremony, Thursday’s fixture against South Korea is shaping up as the real party. With a win almost guaranteeing passage to the knockout stage, the Etzadi will be a cauldron of noise. Mexico’s players have spoken of using the energy to ignite their campaign, and the Korean backline offers a different challenge to South Africa’s low block.
Manager Jaime Lozano is expected to stick with the 4-3-3 that mixed control with caution, but expect a more front-foot approach. The wide duo of Hirving Lozano and Uriel Antuna will be tasked with stretching the Koreans, while Jimenez’s hold-up play could prove decisive. For the first time in years, the national team have a clear identity—and the fans are buying in, even if their wallets are bruised.
As the build-up intensifies, the juxtaposition is telling. In Roma Norte, the expats will again swarm bars with deep pockets, while in the barrios, families will huddle around screens. Football in Mexico is a unifier, but this World Cup has laid bare the economic divides. A vibrant display against Korea could mend those fractures, if only for 90 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa was a steady but unspectacular start, easing group-stage exit fears.
- Raúl Jimenez scored his first World Cup goal, ending a personal drought in his fourth tournament.
- Ticket pricing has emerged as a major talking point, with many Liga MX regulars priced out of attending games.
- The clash with South Korea offers a chance to ignite the home support and all but secure a last-32 spot.
- Manager Jaime Lozano is gradually forging a clear 4-3-3 identity, though the team must step up a gear in attack.
Quick Facts
Opening result: Mexico 2-0 South Africa (Group A)
Raúl Jimenez milestone: First World Cup goal in fourth tournament
Upcoming fixture: Mexico vs South Korea, June 18, 2026, Estadio Azteca
Manager: Jaime Lozano
Key player: Raúl Jimenez – 1 goal in opening game
