Мексика 2:1 ЮАР: Ацтека открывает ЧМ 2026 победой хозяев

Some venues carry history in their walls. Estadio Azteca is one of them — two World Cup finals, half a century of Mexican football passion, and 87,000 souls who arrived on Thursday with one collective purpose. The World Cup 2026 opening match was never going to be quiet, and it wasn't. Mexico 2-1 South Africa. Three points. The curse, at least for one night, is in retreat.

Lozano's Moment Breaks the Tension

The opening goal came in the 23rd minute. Hirving Lozano — 30 years old now, this almost certainly his last World Cup — collected a through-ball from Edson Álvarez, cut inside his marker with that familiar burst of acceleration, and slotted past the keeper with his left foot. The noise was extraordinary. Lozano wheeled away with his arms outstretched, and for a moment 87,000 people forgot seven consecutive round-of-16 defeats and simply felt.

Mexico controlled the first half with authority. The high press worked perfectly against a South Africa side that prefers to build from the back — turnovers were won high up the pitch, and the Azteca crowd stayed loud throughout a first 45 minutes that felt like a statement of intent.

Martin Makes It Two — Tau Responds

Henry Martín had been relatively quiet until the 67th minute when a well-worked free kick found him at the near post. His header was placed, controlled, and celebrated with intensity. Two goals. The Azteca breathed out. Then Percy Tau scored for South Africa in the 71st minute, cutting in from the right and finishing with composure that silenced the home crowd before the noise built back to something closer to anxiety than joy.

The final 19 minutes were not comfortable. South Africa pressed high and created two half-chances. Mexico defended deep and occasionally desperate. The referee's final whistle prompted green confetti and fireworks. Three points. First place in Group A.

What Mexico Proved — and What They Still Need to Show

This performance answered the 'can they start' question emphatically. The harder question — can they go deep for the first time since 1986 — remains open. South Korea and Czech Republic await in the group stage. But after years of World Cup heartbreak, Mexico gave their supporters a night to hold onto. Follow every El Tri match live at WatchLiveMatch.tv — schedule, kick-off times and free stream links for all Group A fixtures.