2026 FIFA World Cup Opens On Thursday With Mexico and South Korea Posting Wins

Two games opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday in Mexico with two Group A games.  

At Estadio Azteca, Mexico City:  

Julian Quintones (9') and Raul Jimenez (67') each scored once as ten-man Mexico blanked nine-man South Africa 2-0.

Three players, one for El Tri and two for Bafana Bafana were tossed out of the match on straight red cards.  

At Estadio Akron, Zapopan:  

Hwang In-Beom (67') and Oh Hyeon-Gyu (80') each scored a second-half goal as South Korea came from behind to best the Czech Republic 2-1.

GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. Mexico (1-0-0, GD +2, 3 PTS)

2. South Korea (1-0-0, GD +1, 3 PTS)

3. Czech Republic (0-1-0, GD -1; 0 PTS)

4. South Africa (0-1-0, GD -2, 0 PTS)