MATCH 1: Mexico 2–0 South Africa
Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca) | Group A
A historic tournament opener full of drama, goals, and red cards.
Mexico began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament opener at a packed Estadio Azteca. Backed by more than 80,000 home supporters, El Tri controlled proceedings from the outset and rarely looked troubled as they secured the first three points of the expanded 48-team World Cup.
Early Breakthrough
Mexico took control early when Julián Quiñones punished Sphephelo Sithole’s costly loss of possession in the ninth minute, finishing low through Ronwen Williams’s legs. The goal marks the earliest first goal scored in a FIFA World Cup tournament since 2006, when Philipp Lahm found the net for Germany against Costa Rica after just six minutes.
Jiménez Seals It
The hosts wrapped up the result midway through the second half when Raúl Jiménez headed in from close range after Roberto Alvarado’s delivery.
Red Card Chaos
The match will be talked about more for the three red cards. South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole was sent off early in the second half, his teammate Themba Zwane also saw red later, and Mexico’s César Montes was dismissed near the end.
Under FIFA rules, a red card results in an automatic one-game suspension, meaning Montes will miss Mexico’s second group match against South Korea.
Key Stats:
| Mexico | South Africa | |
| Goals | Quiñones (9′), Jiménez (2nd half) | — |
| Red Cards | Montes | Sithole, Zwane |
| Result | ✅ Win | ❌ Loss |
MATCH 2: South Korea 2–1 Czechia
Guadalajara Stadium (Estadio Akron) | Group A
A comeback for the ages as the Taeguk Warriors refuse to give up.
Hwang In-beom scored one and created the other as Korea Republic came from a goal down to defeat Czechia and start their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with victory at Guadalajara Stadium.
Korea Dominate But Can’t Score
Korea had the better of the first half and frequently threatened, but were unable to find a way past Czechia goalkeeper Matej Kovář in the first 45 minutes. Kovář saved a fierce left-footed strike from Lee Kang-in in the 14th minute, before Son Heung-min sent a couple of decent opportunities off target.
Czechia Strike Against the Run of Play
After a cagey first half, Czechia struck first in the 59th minute when captain Ladislav Krejčí powered home a header from Vladimír Coufal’s long throw.
Korea’s Stunning Comeback
South Korea responded brilliantly, with Hwang In-beom equalizing eight minutes later after a composed finish following a clever attacking move. Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu then scored the decisive goal in the 80th minute, sending the Korean fans into raptures and completing a brilliant turnaround.
Key Stats:
| South Korea | Czechia | |
| Goals | Hwang In-beom (67′), Oh Hyeon-gyu (80′) | Krejčí (59′) |
| Result | ✅ Win | ❌ Loss |
Group A Standings After Matchday 1
| Sr. No | Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| 1 | Mexico | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| 2 | South Korea | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| 3 | Czechia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | _1 | 0 |
| 4 | South Africa | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 0 |