2026 World Cup co-hosts, Mexico, kicked off their tournament in spectacular fashion, securing a dramatic 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match at a raucous, packed Estadio Azteca.
The home crowd didn’t have to wait long for fireworks, as Julian Quiñones opened the scoring for El Tri in just the 9th minute.
Quiñones found the back of the net with a powerful strike that slipped directly through the legs of Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, setting an electric tone for the rest of the match.
The tension only escalated from there as Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio took center stage, fiercely clamping down on the physical play.
In a highly disciplinary affair, Sampaio brandished three red cards throughout the match. South Africa was hit hardest, losing both Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole and Themba Zwane to ejections, while Mexico was also reduced to ten men after defender César Montes received his marching orders.
Despite the chaos and numerical disadvantage, Mexico managed to seal the three points courtesy of a milestone moment for a veteran striker.
Raúl Jiménez secured the victory by powerfully heading home a precise cross from Roberto Alvarado. The crucial strike doubled Mexico’s lead and marked Jiménez’s first-ever career World Cup goal, sending the home fans into absolute delirium.
Meanwhile, the tournament action continued in the early hours of Friday morning at the Estadio Guadalajara, where South Korea staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Czechia 2-1 in the group’s second match.
Following a tense, goalless first half, it was the Europeans who drew first blood just before the hour mark. Czechia captain, Ladislav Krejčí, rose highest to head home a trademark long throw-in from Vladimír Coufal, momentarily silencing the Asian contingent in the stadium.
However, the Taeguk Warriors refused to back down. Feyenoord midfielder, Hwang In-beom, restored parity for South Korea in the 67th minute with a brilliant equalizer.
The complete turnaround was later engineered by substitute, Oh Hyeon-gyu, who netted the winning goal with just ten minutes left on the clock, ensuring South Korea joins Mexico at the top of the group standings.
