The FIFA World Cup 2026 got underway with a dramatic opening day as co-hosts Mexico began their campaign with a comfortable win over South Africa before
South Korea produced a spirited comeback to defeat Czech Republic and join El Tri at the top of Group A.
Between emotional goals, three red cards and a second-half fightback in Guadalajara, the opening day delivered plenty of talking points as the race for the knockout stages officially began.
Mexico Make Dream Start in Tournament Opener
Mexico opened the World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at a packed Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The hosts needed just nine minutes to take the lead after South African midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was caught in possession near his own penalty area. Julián QuiÑones capitalised on the mistake and calmly slotted home the first goal of the tournament.
South Africa's evening went from bad to worse shortly after halftime when Sithole was sent off for denying Brian Gutierrez a clear goalscoring opportunity, becoming the first player to receive a red card at the 2026 World Cup.
Mexico eventually doubled its advantage through veteran striker Raúl Jimenez, whose emotional header sparked scenes of celebration inside the stadium. The 35-year-old broke down in tears after scoring his first World Cup goal, dedicating the moment to his late father, who passed away earlier this year.
The drama was far from over, however.
South Africa finished with nine men after substitute Themba Zwane was shown a straight red card for lashing out at Roberto Alvarado, while Mexico defender Cesar Montes was also dismissed late in stoppage time.
Despite the disciplinary chaos, Javier Aguirre's side cruised to victory and claimed the first three points of the tournament.
South Korea Fight Back Against Czech Republic
Later in Guadalajara, South Korea joined Mexico on three points after coming from behind to beat Czech Republic 2-1.
Myung-Bo Hong's side dominated possession for much of the contest but found themselves trailing against the run of play when Ladislav Krejci headed home from Vladimir Coufal's long throw in the 59th minute.
The lead lasted only eight minutes.
Midfielder Hwang In-Beom levelled matters with a superb curled finish after combining with Kang-In Lee, who was one of South Korea's standout performers throughout the evening.
The Czech Republic thought they had restored their advantage when Tomas Soucek headed home from another set-piece, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
South Korea completed the turnaround in the 80th minute when substitute Hyeon-Gyu Oh converted Hwang's low cross from close range.
The winner was particularly special for Oh, who revealed after the match that he had been battling illness and a fever of 38 degrees Celsius before kickoff.
A late save from goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu preserved the lead as South Korea secured a deserved victory and moved level with Mexico at the top of the group.
FIFA World Cup Group A Standings
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| 2 | South Korea | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 3 |
| 3 | Czech Republic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| 4 | South Africa | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
FIFA World Cup Group A- What's Next?
Group A's spotlight fixture arrives on June 19 when table-toppers Mexico and South Korea meet in what could prove decisive in the battle for first place.
Meanwhile, South Africa and Czech Republic face off on June 18 in a must-win clash for both sides as they attempt to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.
After just one round of matches, Mexico and South Korea have laid down an early marker, while South Africa and Czech Republic already find themselves under pressure heading into their second group-stage encounter.
