Mexico 2-0 South Africa
With the goals of Julián Quiñones (9) and Raúl Jiménez (67), Mexico, one of the three hosts of this 2026 World Cup, clearly beat South Africa 2-0 at the beginning of Group A that also includes the Republic of Korea and the Czech Republic.
Javier Aguirre's team began the game with high pressure that very soon It gave him results. At 9 minutes, a recovery near the South African area led to Julian Quiñones' goal, with a shot that went between goalkeeper Williams' legs.
Things would get even more complicated in the second half for South Africa. At 49, Sphephelo Sithole did not let Brian Gutiérrez escape, who escaped alone to the goal. He was the first sent off of the tournament.
At 67 minutes, Raúl Jiménez extended the lead with a header after receiving a perfect cross from the left from Alvarado.
With the advantage, Mexico moved the ball with a little less aggression and let the minutes tick by. The expulsion of Zwane at the end did not change things much for two teams that had already done too much wear and tear.
On the next date, Mexico will face South Korea, on Thursday, June 18. South Africa will try to recover against the Czech Republic on the same day.
The statistics:
Mexico remains undefeated in its last eight World Cup opening games, with six victories.
Protagonist voices
Julián Quiñones, Mexican striker: "For me it is important to recognize the merit of my teammates for having achieved the first three points. We have felt the support of the fans in recent days."
Roberto Alvarado, Mexico winger: "It was a truly wonderful feeling, something that cannot be described in words, something that that I had always dreamed of: playing a match of this magnitude, at home, in front of these fans." (Fifa.com)
South Korea reacts and debuts with victory against Czechia
South Korea started its path in the 2026 World Cup on the right foot after beating Czechia 2-1, in a Group A match played in Guadalajara.
After a goalless first half, Czechia struck first in the second half with a goal from Ladislav Krejčí in the 59th minute. However, the Asian team reacted quickly and found the equalizer in the 67th minute through Hwang In-beom.
The Korean momentum was maintained until the final stretch of the match and, in the 80th minute, Oh Hyeon-gyu appeared to complete the comeback and secure the first three points for his team.
With this result, South Korea joins Mexico among the teams that started with victory in Group A, while Czechia is forced to react on the second day.