Chicharito Explains What Could Make Life Difficult for Mexico Despite Winning FIFA World Cup 2026 Opener

Mexico began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over South Africa at the historic Estadio Azteca. Goals from Julian quinones and Raul Jimenez secured all three points for the tournament co-hosts and sent them to the top of Group A.

While the result delighted supporters across the country, former Mexico striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez believes one key incident could make life more difficult for the team in the coming matches.

Chicharito Highlights Cesar Montes Suspension Concern

Speaking after the match as part of Fox sports‘ FIFA World Cup coverage team, Hernandez praised Mexico’s overall performance but admitted that the late dismissal of defender Cesar Montes could become a significant issue.

“It was crucial. This is the correct way to start this World Cup: with your people, scoring two goals, maintaining the clean sheet. Even though that sent off with Montes is going to be difficult for the team, it’s all positives.”

The former Manchester United striker emphasized that Mexico achieved exactly what they needed in the opening match, but losing an important defender through suspension may disrupt the squad ahead of their next fixture.

Mexico Enjoy Dream Start to World Cup Campaign

El Tri produced a professional display against South Africa in front of a packed home crowd. Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Raul Jimenez doubled the advantage later in the contest.

The victory extended Mexico’s strong record in World Cup opening matches and provided an ideal foundation for the rest of their group-stage campaign.

Despite the comfortable scoreline, the match was far from straightforward as disciplinary issues dominated the headlines.

Three Red Cards Overshadow the Contest

The game featured three red cards, making it one of the most chaotic opening matches in FIFA World Cup history.

South Africa were reduced to ten men after Sphephelo Sithole was dismissed early in the second half. Matters worsened for Bafana Bafana when substitute Themba Zwane also received a red card following a VAR review.

Mexico finished the game with ten men as well after Cesar Montes was sent off deep into stoppage time for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Montes’ suspension now means Mexico will be without one of their key defensive players for the next match.

Chicharito Praises Julian Quinones

Hernandez also reserved special praise for Julian Quinones, who scored the opening goal of the entire tournament and delivered a Man of the Match performance.

“It’s his first goal in a World Cup, his first starting as well over there, and with that very special meaning. I think we are all very touched by that, because our main striker goals a goal and it means so much more than just a simple goal at the World Cup.”

Quinones was a constant threat throughout the match, completing multiple take-ons, creating chances, and leading Mexico’s attack with confidence.

Focus Turns to South Korea

Mexico will now shift their attention to their second Group A fixture against South Korea. With momentum on their side and three valuable points already secured, El Tri are in a strong position to move closer to qualification for the knockout stages.

However, as Chicharito pointed out, replacing Cesar Montes and maintaining defensive stability could become one of the biggest challenges facing Javier aguirre’s side moving forward.

Conclusion

Mexico could hardly have asked for a better start to FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating South Africa 2-0 in front of their home supporters. Yet, according to Javier Hernandez, the suspension of Cesar Montes following his late red card could complicate matters in the coming games. While the victory provided plenty of reasons to celebrate, Mexico must now prepare for life without one of their defensive leaders as they continue their World Cup journey.