2026 W/Cup: Mexico Coach Says They Could Have Won 3-0

In their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on June 12, 2026, Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre stated his team could have won against South Africa by as much as 3-0, following a comfortable 2-0 victory. The match featured three players being sent off, with Julian Quinones scoring the opening goal of the tournament while almost adding a second before half-time.

After the break, Yaya Sithole from South Africa was sent off for fouling Mexico's Brian Gutiérrez. Mexico's striker Raul Jimenez then doubled the lead with an impressive diving header. Things deteriorated for South Africa as Themba Zwane received a red card for violent conduct. The situation worsened with Mexican defender Cesar Montes also getting dismissed for a clumsy challenge during stoppage time.

Aguirre, reflecting on the match, recognized the need for improvement, stating, "It could easily have been 3-0. We were superior in the first half, but it got difficult when we didn’t find the second goal. It was a good performance, but we can also improve."

With this defeat, South Africa remains winless in their four World Cup opening matches. Coach Hugo Broos' team will look to bounce back in their next game against the Czech Republic.