Co-hosts Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at a packed Estadio Azteca, while South Korea also made a winning start by beating Czechia.
The two nations now find themselves sitting at the top of Group A, with a blockbuster clash set for next week.
Mexico too good for South Africa at Azteca
Mexico entered the tournament with high expectations on home soil and delivered a professional performance to claim all three points in the opening match of the competition.
Julián Quiñones wrote his name into World Cup history by scoring the tournament’s first goal.
The forward capitalised on a defensive mistake from South Africa before firing past the goalkeeper to give Mexico a lead just nine minutes in.
South Africa struggled to recover from the setback and found themselves under increasing pressure as Mexico controlled large periods of the match.
Raúl Jiménez doubled the advantage in the second half, heading home to put the result beyond doubt and give the home fans another moment to celebrate.
The match was also notable for its disciplinary issues, with three players sent off during a heated contest.
South Africa were reduced to 10 men shortly after half-time when Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole received a red card following a challenge that denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Things got worse for the African side late in the game when Themba Zwane was shown a second red card after a VAR review for violent conduct.
Mexico then had disciplinary issues of their own during the closing stages of the game, the hosts finishing with 10 men after César Montes was dismissed in stoppage time.
The victory gives Mexico an ideal start to the tournament and places them at the top of Group A.
READ MORE: FIFA World Cup 2026: Odds, full fixture list, kick-off times, England and Scotland games
South Korea come from behind to beat Czechia
South Korea joined Mexico on three points after producing a second-half comeback to defeat Czechia 2-1.
After a goalless first half, Czechia struck first when Ladislav Krejčí found the breakthrough shortly before the hour mark.
However, South Korea responded almost immediately.
Hwang In-beom levelled the scores before Oh Hyeon-gyu completed the turnaround just minutes later to hand his side a valuable victory in Guadalajara.
The result means both Mexico and South Korea have made positive starts to their World Cup campaigns ahead of a crucial meeting between the two nations on Friday, June 19, at 2:00am BST.
The winner of that match could decide who takes control of the group, while South Africa and Czechia will both be searching for their first points of the tournament after opening-day defeats.
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Simon Wilkes 
Michael Davey