Mexico's 4-3-3 was ideally suited to exploit South Africa's compact but narrow 4-4-2. Fidalgo's role as a left-sided interior midfielder was the tactical key: his ability to receive between the lines and play incisive vertical passes repeatedly broke South Africa's first and second defensive lines. Santiago Giménez's movement — constantly peeling off the shoulder of the last defender — was a nightmare for Mbokazi and Sibisi, who were exposed in behind on multiple occasions. South Africa's best moments came on the counter, where Lyle Foster's physicality and Foster–Mokoena combination caused Mexico genuine problems, as evidenced by the equaliser. However, once Mexico won the penalty and restored their lead, South Africa's tactical discipline began to fray, and the introduction of Roberto Alvarado — a high-energy, direct winger — effectively ended the contest. Mexico's pressing in the final 20 minutes was relentless, suffocating any hope of a South African comeback. A professional, if occasionally nervy, opening-game performance from El Tri.

• Santiago Giménez's brace (14', 83') makes him the first Mexican player to score twice in a World Cup opener since Hugo Sánchez in 1986.
• Mexico's xG of 2.71 vs South Africa's 0.94 reflects the gulf in attacking quality — El Tri created chances at will in the second half.
• Lyle Foster's equaliser was South Africa's first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup on Mexican soil.
• Álvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis) was Mexico's creative engine: 3 key passes, 91% pass accuracy, and the assist for the opener.
• South Africa's low-block 4-4-2 held firm for 38 minutes but was ultimately undone by Mexico's positional superiority and individual quality.
• The Azteca crowd of ~87,000 created a fortress atmosphere — Mexico's home advantage was a tangible factor in the result.
• Teboho Mokoena covered 12.3 km — the most of any player on the pitch — in a tireless but ultimately futile midfield battle.