Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre declared that striker Raúl Jiménez “earned a perfect day” after the veteran forward scored in El Tri’s 2-0 win over South Africa on Thursday, June 11, 2026. The match, held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, served as the opening game for the hosts in the 2026 World Cup.
The 35-year-old Jiménez netted Mexico’s second goal, securing three points and marking a major personal milestone.
The result was historic for the Mexican national team, which had failed to win its opening World Cup match in seven previous attempts. Julian Quinones opened the scoring before Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead, sparking emotional scenes on the pitch. The striker, who has faced a grueling path back to top-flight international football, burst into tears after finding the back of the net.
Javier Aguirre emphasized the significance of the performance given the personal weight Raúl Jiménez carried into the tournament. “He had always been in someone else’s shadow, but today he is a starter for this team — and he has truly earned it,” Javier Aguirre said. The coach noted that Jiménez had specifically targeted this tournament as his definitive moment on the world stage.
Javier Aguirre reflects on the resilience of Raúl Jiménez
The 35-year-old striker’s goal was his first ever in a World Cup, a feat that felt unlikely years ago. On November 29, 2020, Raúl Jiménez suffered a life-threatening skull fracture while playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The injury required emergency surgery and forced him to wear protective headgear for the remainder of his career.
He struggled during the 2022 World Cup, where Mexico failed to reach the knockout stages.
Personal tragedy also shadowed his preparation for the 2026 tournament. In March 2026, the striker’s father, Raúl Jiménez Vega, passed away at the age of 62. Javier Aguirre acknowledged this loss, stating the personal situation may have provided “extra motivation” for the forward to succeed. For a player who once wept after scoring for Fulham against Burnley, this goal represented a profound release.
The emotional weight of the evening was shared by a packed Estadio Azteca. Much like the latest sport news updates regarding major tournament openers, the atmosphere was a mix of celebration and high tension. Javier Aguirre confirmed that the “perfect day” for Jiménez was the result of the player’s dedication despite years of being a secondary option.
Disciplinary chaos and World Cup opening records
The match was not without controversy, as it became the first World Cup opening game in history to feature three red cards. Mexico captain Cesar Montes was dismissed from the field, leaving the hosts a man down. South Africa also suffered heavily, with both Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane receiving red cards during the high-stakes encounter.
Javier Aguirre admitted that the pressure of the moment got to several of his players. He noted that three of them suffered from cramps despite never having them in 25 years, attributing the fatigue to “stage fright” at the sight of the stadium. This level of scrutiny follows many elite athletes, including com/salah-future-liverpool-transfer-options-2026/”>stars like Mohamed Salah, who must often navigate intense national expectations during career-defining matches.
While some sections of the crowd reportedly booed during the match, Javier Aguirre remained focused on the result. He stated that he didn’t hear the boos but acknowledged the three points as the priority. He challenged his squad to maintain their performance levels to ensure fans remain supportive throughout the group stage.
Mexico shifts focus to South Korea and Group A
The victory puts Mexico in a strong position as they prepare to face South Korea and the Czech Republic. Javier Aguirre was quick to temper expectations, stating the team is “zero obsessed” with winning the group. Instead, the coaching staff is prioritizing a step-by-step approach to navigate the tournament’s early hurdles.
Managing squad depth will be critical following the suspension of Cesar Montes. The physical toll of the opener, which saw multiple players struggle with the intensity, will require careful recovery. The victory provides a necessary platform that Mexico lacked during their disappointing 2022 campaign, where they exited early.
For Raúl Jiménez, the evening at the Estadio Azteca was more than just a football match; it was the culmination of a six-year journey back from the brink of retirement. Javier Aguirre concluded that Jiménez had “got off to a flying start,” validating the coach’s faith in the veteran striker’s ability to lead the line for Mexico.
