The 2026 World Cup got underway at the Estadio Azteca, where co-hosts Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa in front of a packed crowd. The opening goal of the tournament arrived after only nine minutes when a challenge by Erik Lira led to the ball falling kindly for Julian Quinones, whose powerful effort slipped through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Mexico remained in control for long stretches of the contest and almost doubled their advantage before the break when Quiñones struck the post from close range. South Africa’s situation became even more difficult shortly after halftime when Yaya Sithole was dismissed for bringing down Brian Gutierrez as he advanced toward goal. Reduced to ten players, the African side struggled to contain the hosts.
The second goal arrived in the 67th minute. Veteran forward Raul Jimenez met Roberto Alvarado’s cross with a powerful header to score his first-ever goal at a World Cup finals. The strike carried special significance for the 35-year-old, who celebrated emotionally and appeared close to tears as supporters inside the famous stadium erupted.
Discipline became a major talking point during the closing stages. Themba Zwane was shown a red card after an altercation with Alvarado, leaving South Africa with nine men. Mexico also finished the match a player short after Cesar Montes was sent off for a late challenge. Despite the late drama, the hosts comfortably protected their advantage and began their campaign with three points.
Jimenez’s emotional milestone and Mora’s record appearance
For Jimenez, the goal represented a remarkable chapter in a career that nearly took a tragic turn. In November 2020, he suffered a serious skull fracture following a collision with David Luiz while playing for Wolves. The injury required a lengthy recovery period and raised concerns about whether he would ever return to his previous level.
Years later, the striker reached a moment he had never previously experienced at the World Cup. Although he had appeared in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions of the tournament, all six of his previous appearances had come from the bench. Against South Africa, he started a World Cup match for the first time and marked the occasion with a decisive goal.
The goal was the 46th of his international career and moved him level with Mexico’s second-highest scorer in national-team history, behind only Javier Hernandez. Former colleagues and coaches praised both his determination and character, highlighting the resilience that allowed him to rebuild his career after the life-threatening injury.
Mexico’s supporters also witnessed the introduction of Gilberto Mora, who entered the match during the second half. At 17 years old, he became the youngest Mexican player ever to appear at a World Cup and added another achievement to a growing list of age-related records already established during his young career.
South Korea rally past the Czech Republic
In Guadalajara, South Korea recovered from a setback to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 and begin their tournament with an important victory. Despite controlling possession and creating numerous opportunities, the Koreans found themselves behind when Czech captain Ladislav Krejci headed home a long throw from Vladimir Coufal in the 59th minute.
Son Heung-min was at the centre of much of South Korea’s attacking play. The captain produced several attempts before and after the interval, including a notable chance denied by goalkeeper Matej Kovar. However, it was midfielder Hwang In-beom who inspired the comeback. Eight minutes after the opening goal, he received a pass from Lee Kang-in, deceived the advancing goalkeeper, and delicately lifted the ball into an empty net.
The Czech side thought they had regained the lead when Tomas Soucek headed in from a set piece, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. That decision proved crucial because South Korea soon completed the turnaround. Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu converted a delivery from Hwang in the 80th minute to put his team ahead.
South Korea still needed defensive heroics to secure victory. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu produced key saves against Adam Hlozek and Michal Sadilek during the closing minutes, ensuring his side recorded its first winning start to a World Cup campaign in four tournaments.
Notable moments and records from the opening fixtures
The opening match of the tournament produced an unusually high number of dismissals. Three red cards were shown by referee Wilton Sampaio, despite only four having been issued during the entire 2022 World Cup. According to the article, an opening match had never previously featured three sendings-off.
The Estadio Azteca once again played a historic role by staging the first match of a World Cup, just as it had done in 1970 and 1986. The event began with a colourful ceremony featuring Colombian singer Shakira before Mexico’s victory entertained the home crowd.
Gilberto Mora’s appearance placed him sixth on the list of the youngest players ever to feature at a World Cup. The ranking continues to be led by Northern Ireland’s Norman Whiteside, who made his tournament debut in 1982 at the age of 17 years, one month and 10 days.
South Korea’s match also attracted attention away from the field. FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended the game in Guadalajara, while discussions surrounding ticket prices and attendance remained a subject of debate during the opening days of the competition.