Israel Reyes, June 12 -- For eight minutes the Estadio Azteca held its breath, and then Julian Quinones let it out. His low shot slid through the legs of South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, and more than 80,000 people inside the only stadium ever to host three World Cups roared the 2026 tournament to life. Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 on Thursday, and for the first time in eight tries, the co-hosts won the match that opens the World Cup.

"I'm happy and excited to have scored in this packed stadium and with the fans supporting us."

The goal carried a footnote that took the rest of the night to appreciate. Quinones struck in the eighth minute, the earliest goal in a World Cup opening match since Philipp Lahm scored for Germany after ...