Mexico and South Korea Kick Off World Cup 2026 with Wins

The FIFA World Cup 2026 ignited in spectacular fashion as Group A action kicked off with historic venues, pre-match global superstars, and intense on-pitch drama. 

In Mexico City, co-hosts Mexico launched the 48-team tournament with a commanding 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, which made history as the first stadium to host matches across three separate World Cups. 

Before the action began, a festive crowd of 80,000 spectators was treated to an energetic opening ceremony headlined by Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy performing the official tournament song "Dai Dai", alongside Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. 

While the atmosphere inside was celebratory, the exterior of the stadium saw heavy police presence as student activists, teachers, and relatives of missing persons clashed with law enforcement, briefly breaching barriers just as the hosts struck early.  

On the pitch, Mexico shook off intense opening-day nerves to dominate the African side. Julian Quinones netted the tournament's very first goal in the ninth minute, slotting a low finish through the legs of South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. 

South Africa's night quickly unraveled due to disciplinary issues, starting in the 49th minute when Sphephelo Sithole was shown a straight red card for a professional foul. 

Mexico capitalized on the advantage in the 67th minute when 35-year-old veteran striker Raul Jimenez cleanly headed home a cross from Roberto Alvarado to seal the win. 

The match concluded in highly chaotic fashion, ultimately setting a World Cup record for disciplinary ejections in a single game; South Africa was reduced to nine men when Themba Zwane was sent off after a VAR review for a physical altercation, while Mexican defender Cesar Montes was also dismissed in stoppage time for a late, reckless challenge.  

Later in Guadalajara, South Korea mirrored Mexico's strong start by staging a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1. 

The Asian giants heavily controlled the opening 45 minutes but were plagued by wastefulness, as captain Son Heung-min uncharacteristically squandered several prime opportunities. 

The Czech Republic initially punished the Koreans' lack of clinical finishing in the 58th minute when Ladislav Krejci rose above the defense to power home a header against the run of play. 

However, South Korea responded with immense pressure and equalized less than ten minutes later through Hwang In-beom, who faked a shot before delicately lofting the ball over Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar. 

Hwang then turned provider in the 80th minute, delivering a sharp cross from the right flank to find substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu, who slotted home the decisive match-winner.  

Off the pitch, the tournament's opening day arrived amidst heavy socio-political scrutiny directed toward world football's governing body. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino actively brushed off rising criticisms regarding exorbitant ticket prices—which have peaked at USD 30,000—by defending the organization's average ticket fee as the lowest across major American sports. 

Furthermore, diplomatic tensions rippled through the tournament logistics due to severe immigration crackdowns in the United States. 

Somali referee Omar Artan was barred entry into the US over alleged associations with suspected terrorist organizations, prompting UEFA to swiftly reassign him to referee Europe's upcoming Super Cup. 

Visa and health protocols additionally complicated preparations for other nations, including the late arrival of the Iranian squad due to defense conflicts and the rigorous US immigration quarantine bypass cleared by the Democratic Republic of Congo squad following an Ebola outbreak. 

Despite the administrative hurdles, Group A now stands highly competitive, with co-hosts Mexico and South Korea scheduled for a pivotal showdown on June 18, while the Czech Republic looks to bounce back against South Africa in Atlanta on the same day.

Source: AFP