The 2026 World Cup is officially underway, with co-host Mexico opening the tournament Thursday with a 2-0 win over South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Julián Quiñones gave El Tri an early lead with the first goal of the tournament just nine minutes in, before Raúl Jiménez doubled the advantage in the second half to secure the victory in the opening match.
It’s a historic setting for the start of the competition, with Estadio Azteca becoming the first stadium to host matches at three different men’s World Cups, having previously staged games in 1970 and 1986.
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Later Thursday, the action continues in Guadalajara, where South Korea and Czechia meet at Estadio Akron to close out the opening day of group stage play.
The festivities began early Thursday with an Opening Ceremony featuring Shakira, Colombian singer J Balvin, Mexican pop-rock band Maná, as well as Latin music stars Belinda, Alejandro Fernández, Los Ángeles Azules, Lila Downs and Danny Ocean.
Group A
10 p.m. ET (FS1): Korea Republic vs. Czechia, Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, Mexico)
Follow along with Yahoo Sports for the latest as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off.
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Thu, June 11, 2026 at 12:38 PM PDT
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 2:23 PM PDT
Sean Leahy
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 2:05 PM PDT
Kari Anderson
A powerful start for Mexico, who gets a dominant 2-0 victory over South Africa at home to open the tournament. It’s a start to forget for South Africa, who was really never in it from the beginning.
The chippy game ended with three straight reds, ending the game at 10-on-9 and marking the first game in 20 years with three reds. A game with more reds than goals is quite the way to kick off the 2026 World Cup, but it was certainly an opener to remember.
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 2:02 PM PDT
Kari Anderson
And yet another straight red in this game, this time to Mexico’s César Montes. Montes is flagged for denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity after chasing down a South Africa forward and hitting a poor full-body tackle.
Mexico will finish the game 10-vs-9, and Montes will be out the next game.
Today’s match is now the first-ever opening game with three reds.
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:59 PM PDT
Kari Anderson
Between a goal and two red cards, a lengthy span of stoppage time was likely. Mexico will have seven minutes to ice this victory.
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:56 PM PDT
Kari Anderson
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:52 PM PDT
Kari Anderson
Things just got significantly worse for South Africa, as veteran midfielder Themba Zwane is given a straight red card for appearing to claw at the face of Roberto Alvarado. The foul was initially missed by officials, but after a short VAR review, Zwane is sent off, leaving South Africa with nine players.
Both Zwane and Sithole will be out for the next match for South Africa.
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:46 PM PDT
Kari Anderson
Julián Quiñones, the other goalscorer, is taken out for Alexis Vega.
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:45 PM PDT
Kari Anderson
A pair of subs for both teams as the game astart to wind towards its end.
For Mexico, Érik Lira and Raúl Jiménez are out, replaced by Edson Álvarez and Armando González.
For South Africa, Iqraam Rayners and Aubrey Modiba are replaced by Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appollis.
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:41 PM PDT
Kari Anderson
Another yellow card given to South Africa, this time awarded to defender Nkosinathi Sibisi for throwing an elbow to the face of Julián Quiñones. The frustration from the South African players is clearly growing.
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:41 PM PDT
Nick Bromberg
With eight of the 12 third-place teams making the Round of 32, not all hope is lost to make the knockout rounds for South Africa. However, it’ll likely need a draw and a win over its two games against South Korea and Czechia … while also getting to a neutral goal differential.
Giving up a third to Mexico would be a near-disaster.
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:38 PM PDT
Kari Anderson
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:38 PM PDT
Kari Anderson
Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez hits a beautiful header off a long cross from Roberto Alvarado, giving Mexico a 2-0 lead
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:34 PM PDT
Kari Anderson
Teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora is entering the match for Álvaro Fidalgo. Luis Chávez also comes in for Brian Gutiérrez.
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:29 PM PDT
Sean Leahy
With under a half hour to play, Mexico remains in control, but only hold a 1-0 lead. While South Africa is down to 10 men, one misplay could lead to disaster if El Tri don’t manage to add an insurance goal and really put this match out of reach.
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:28 PM PDT
Sean Leahy
Themba Zwane comes on for Jayden Adams.
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:24 PM PDT
Sean Leahy
Lyle Foster replaces Thalente Mbatha as South Africa looks for an equalizer.
Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group A – Mexico v South Africa – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico – June 11, 2026 South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole fouls Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez and is later sent off REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
(REUTERS / REUTERS)Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:21 PM PDT
Nick Bromberg
Sithole had the giveaway that led to Mexico’s first — and only, so far — goal and now will miss the rest of the group stage because. of his red card. He could end up only playing 50 minutes all tournament if South Africa doesn’t move on.
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:20 PM PDT
Sean Leahy
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:18 PM PDT
Sean Leahy
Raúl Jiménez’s free kick goes right into the South Africa wall and a follow-up opportunity goes wide as Bafana Bafana are down to nine men.
Thu, June 11, 2026 at 1:17 PM PDT
Sean Leahy
Brian Gutiérrez is fouled just outside of the South Africa penalty box by Sphephelo Sithole. With Gutiérrez being in on goal and Sithole the last man back, a red card has been handed out and Sithole will sit for two matches.