Published: June 12, 2026 at 11:45 am
The FIFA World Cup 2026 began with Mexico’s dominant 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening fixture of the tournament at the Mexico City Stadium. Displaying control, attacking quality, and defensive discipline, Mexico secured all three points as Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez found the back of the net to guide their side to a winning start.
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Mexico took an early lead in the 9th minute when Julián Quiñones capitalised on a defensive error to put his team ahead, scoring the opening goal of the World Cup. South Africa came close to conceding again before half-time, but a Mexico effort struck the post in the 42nd minute.
Contest shifts in favour of Mexico
The contest shifted further in Mexico’s favour in the 49th minute when South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole received a straight red card, leaving his side with ten players. Mexico continued to press and doubled their advantage in the 67th minute through Raúl Jiménez, who scored a header from a precise cross from Roberto Alvarado sealing the game for Mexico.
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South Africa were reduced to nine players in the 84th minute after Themba Zwane was sent off, while Mexico captain César Montes also received a red card in stoppage time as both teams ended the match with dismissals.
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Julián Quiñones was named Player of the Match after scoring the opener and delivering a standout performance. Mexico’s strong start and clinical finishing ensured a memorable opening-day victory, while South Africa’s challenge was made more difficult by their second-half disciplinary setbacks.
Oh-Hyeon-gyu of South Korea found the winner against Czechia in their FIFA World Cup match. Pics: X.com
South Korea script comeback win over Czechia
South Korea kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Czechia in the opening fixture, overturning a second-half deficit through a determined display of attacking intent and resilience. After conceding first, South Korea responded strongly to claim all three points courtesy of goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu.
Defenders – the unsung heroes who are less of glamour but full of utility for any winning team
Czechia broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when Ladislav Krejčí converted from a well-worked long throw-in routine to put his side ahead.
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South Korea responded swiftly and restored parity in the 67th minute as Hwang In-beom found the back of the net to shift the momentum in his side’s favour. Maintaining their attacking pressure, South Korea completed the comeback in the 80th minute when Oh Hyeon-gyu finished from close range to seal a 2-1 victory.
The win highlighted South Korea’s composure under pressure and their ability to deliver in key moments, while Czechia were unable to protect their lead. South Korea’s second-half resurgence ensured a memorable start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
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