The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened Thursday with a strong start for Mexico and Korea Republic, as the expanded tournament began its first day of play with two Group A matches in Mexico.
Mexico gave the home crowd the result it wanted, beating South Africa 2-0 at Mexico City Stadium in the tournament opener. Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of the World Cup, and Raúl Jiménez added the second in the second half to give El Tri three points on a day filled with emotion, pressure and noise around one of the sport’s most famous venues.
The match was a replay of the 2010 World Cup opener, when South Africa and Mexico drew 1-1 in Johannesburg. This time, Mexico controlled the key moments and took advantage after South Africa lost discipline in the second half. Bafana Bafana finished with nine players after two red cards, while Mexico also had César Montes sent off in stoppage time.
The win gives Mexico an early lead in Group A and eases some of the pressure on a team carrying the hopes of a host nation. Mexico has hosted World Cup matches before, but this tournament comes with a different feel. It is the largest World Cup ever, with 48 teams and 104 matches across Mexico, the United States and Canada.
The day began with an opening ceremony in Mexico City, where fans packed the stadium and public viewing areas across the capital. The celebration also came against a more complicated backdrop. Protests by teachers and other groups took place in the city before and around the opening match, while high ticket prices drew criticism from many local residents who could not afford to attend the game in person.
On the field, though, Mexico did what it needed to do. The hosts were not perfect, and the match became choppy as the cards piled up, but the result puts them in control before their next Group A test.
Later in Guadalajara, Korea Republic joined Mexico on three points with a 2-1 comeback win over Czechia. Czechia struck first through Ladislav Krejčí, but Korea responded through Hwang Inbeom before substitute Oh Hyeongyu scored the winner in the 80th minute.
The result was important for a Korean side led by experienced stars such as Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in. Korea Republic has become one of Asia’s most consistent World Cup teams, and the opening win gives it a clear path to chase a place in the knockout rounds.
Czechia, meanwhile, will feel it missed a chance after taking the lead. The team leaned on physical play and set pieces, but Korea’s midfield control grew as the match went on. By the final whistle, Korea had turned the game around and left Czechia under pressure after just one match.
After Day 1, Group A has a clear early shape. Mexico and Korea Republic have three points, while South Africa and Czechia are already chasing. Mexico’s next match against Korea now looks like an early fight for control of the group, while South Africa and Czechia will meet knowing another loss could leave either side in serious trouble.
For those of us watching from Costa Rica and across Central America, the opening day delivered exactly what the tournament needed: goals, drama, a packed host stadium and immediate stakes in the group. The World Cup is now underway, and the first message from Day 1 was simple. The hosts are alive, Korea is dangerous, and the expanded format has wasted no time producing pressure.
