• Mexico takes the opening match: In a game that saw more red cards than goals, Mexico has won the opening match of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa. The goal from Julián Quiñones in the opening 10 minutes was more than enough, but Raúl Jiménez got a second in the second half – a wonderful moment for the striker.
• Opening ceremony: Shakira, Andrea Bocelli and J Balvin performed at today’s colorful opening ceremony. It was the first of three, highlighting some of the most popular and exciting artists from around the globe.
• Sign up for The Beautiful Game by CNN Sports, our daily World Cup newsletter.
• Cobertura en directo en español: sigue toda nuestra cobertura del Mundial en CNN en Español.
61 Posts
For all the build-up and excitement ahead of kickoff, the first match of the World Cup was a relatively academic affair.
Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City was marked by three red cards, two goals and one massive tournament getting underway in earnest.
El Tri got off to a fast start with a goal in the ninth minute, though it sadly was all about a mistake from South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole who got caught on the ball as his team tried to play out from a goal kick. Julián Quiñones made him pay with a fine finish, blasting a right-footed shot into the South African net.
Sithole’s afternoon got worse just after halftime when he received the tournament’s first red card, leaving Bafana Bafana with 10 men. The Mexicans would make them pay, as Raúl Jiménez scored his first World Cup goal for his country in an emotional moment.
The striker made a great run at the back post to nod in a fantastic cross. He burst into tears on the pitch after scoring, an emotional moment and a great comeback for the 35-year-old who suffered a serious head injury in 2020, which threatened his career. He was also playing in honor of his father, who died earlier this year.
The match ended with two different ugly moments as South Africa had another player sent off with a straight red card. Themba Zwane committed a needless foul, lashing out and catching his opponent with his hand off the ball.
And just before the full-time whistle, Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio adjudged that César Montes prevented a clear and obvious goalscoring opportunity by South Africa, which by the letter of the laws of soccer means a red card, despite its apparent harshness.
A few moments later, the full-time whistle blew and the Mexican fans could leave their legendary stadium thrilled. The tournament is well and truly underway, and their nation is likely on its way to the knockout rounds.
While the afternoon kickoff has already generated plenty of excitement, the festivities continue later tonight at 10:00 p.m. ET with a match between South Korea and Czech Republic. Tomorrow, the tournament will see two more opening ceremonies and two more matches in the US and Canada.
Canada starts the day at 3 p.m. ET, playing against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. The US concludes the tournament’s opening festivities in Los Angeles, taking the field against Paraguay at 9 p.m. ET.
Find the complete tournament schedule here.
Don’t forget that it’s not just the one game being played on the opening day of this World Cup. We also have an interesting matchup between South Korea and the Czech Republic, which kicks off late on Thursday.
For South Korea, it’s still all about Son Heung-min. The winger is by far the most experienced player on the national side and has been introduced to the US public since signing for Los Angeles FC at the start of the season. He will be supported though by some talented players in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in, Midtjylland forward Cho Gue-sung and Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan.
An industrious Czech Republic team, though, will keep its eyes on the one main job to do: Keep South Korea’s talisman quiet if it’s going to get anything from the game. The Repre will be buoyed by the fact their opponents are notoriously slow starters – the Taegeuk Warriors have failed to win their opening World Cup fixture in each of their last three tournaments.
Local and foreign World Cup fans outside the Estadio Azteca said they fed off the energy Mexico was brimming with on Thursday as the country took on South Africa in the opening match.
César, a fan from Monterrey, said he is among the fans who are thrilled to be hosting the tournament again.
“We’re very happy,” he said, dressed in the team’s green jersey, a blonde wig and bejeweled glasses.
Patricia and Virgelina, two fans from Colombia who are visiting Mexico for the first time, praised the lively ambiance, saying the country has “the best energy.”
They said they’re also traveling to Canada to enjoy the festivities there. They wanted to visit the US, as well, but one of them was denied a visa. “That’s the only negative thing we’ve had in this process,” Patricia said.
Mario, a Mexican fan who witnessed the last World Cup in the country, said, “It’s a source of pride for Mexico to host another World Cup.”
Ruben, another resident who witnessed the 1986 tournament, however, pointed out that not all fans are as excited this time around.
“Back in ’86 – wow, what a joy. It was different from what we’re experiencing right now,” he said, referring to the city’s ongoing protests.
One of the topics of discussion in the CNN Sports chat is the relative mismatch between Mexico and South Africa.
El Tri very clearly dominated the game according to the stats: Mexico had better possession, shots on goal, big chances created, accurate passes and duals won – in addition to scoring more goals.
Now, we obviously can’t extrapolate too much from one game – especially when there are 103 more to go – but you can’t help going back to one of the complaints fans and the media made when FIFA announced it was expanding the tournament to 48 teams.
Many people said that adding an additional 16 teams – 50% more than the last seven editions – would dilute the quality of the squads at the tournament and lead to a glut of mismatches in the group stages and round of 32. After watching today’s match, you get whispers of those concerns echoing through your mind.
Now, supporters of the expanded tournament might say it doesn’t matter. The chance for a smaller or a less traditionally good nation to compete at a World Cup outweighs the likelihood of having mismatches or, even, massive blowouts. I mean, you only need to look at Qatar 2022 – the last tournament with 32 teams – where Spain beat Costa Rica 7-0.
That being said, you can understand the worries of some, while also getting why others say we should let the passion and joy of the World Cup spread to more countries.
Either way, if you’re like me, you’re going to want to watch all of them.
Raúl Jiménez proved why he’s Mexico’s biggest goal threat at this World Cup. The striker was brilliant against South Africa, scoring one goal and creating multiple chances for his team.
He was left in tears after celebrating his goal, embraced by all his teammates who ran over to congratulate him.
He then pointed to the sky after walking back to his half, perhaps thinking about his father, who passed away earlier this year.
A powerful moment early in this World Cup.
After today’s opener, avid Mexican soccer fans will be looking ahead to when they can see their favorite team play next.
Following today’s match, fans will have to wait a week to see El Tri take on South Korea at 9 p.m. ET on June 18. Mexico’s final match of the group stage takes place on June 24 at 9 p.m. against Czech Republic.
South Africa, competing in Group A alongside Mexico, plays its next match on June 18 at noon against Czech Republic. On June 24, Bafana Bafana closes out their group stage play vs. South Korea.
Find the complete tournament schedule here.
With the expanded tournament, and so many third-place teams advancing, this win for Mexico should pretty much guarantee their passage into the knockout phase.
It’s feels crazy to say that after one match.
And just like that, the whistle is blown and the first game of this year’s World Cup is over.
Two goals, three red cards and players crying on the pitch with joy – what else did you expect?
Mexico proved why no one will want to come play it at the Estadio Azteca. It looks well-drilled, pragmatic and motivated to repay the support given to it from its thousands of fans.
South Africa, meanwhile, looked short of ideas and will need a big turnaround in form to get anything from this World Cup.
OK, yet another red card in this opening match. This time against Mexico’s César Montes…
Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio has adjudged that Montes prevented a clear and obvious goalscoring opportunity, which by the letter of the laws of soccer means a red card.
It does feel like a harsh red and the crowd is letting the referee know with a cacaphony of boos.
Another red card for South Africa — this time for Themba Zwane — as this opening game goes from bad to worse.
It’s such a needless thing to do from Zwane, who lashed out and caught his opponent with his hand off the ball.
The referee didn’t see it at first, but was told to review the incident by the video assistant referee (VAR). South Africa will want to forget this game ever happened.
South Africa hasn’t been able to enjoy a long period of possession in this game. It’s had moments where its looked more relaxed, but it’s chasing the game once again.
There is a danger this game could run away with them because they are leaving so much space for Mexico to attack and have started lunging into some hard tackles.
You wouldn’t bet against South Africa picking up more cards and conceding more goals here.
Meanwhile, it’s a party in the stands for the Mexican fans. One that is likely to run late into the night if the score remains the same.
Just like that, the game is all but over.
Raúl Jiménez has been brilliant today and he’s finally got his goal. The attacker made a great run at the back post to nod in a fantastic cross.
The striker is in tears on the pitch. It’s been a great comeback for the 35-year-old who suffered a serious head injury in 2020, which threatened his career.
Now, he’s a goalscorer at a World Cup on home soil.
Score: Mexico 2 – 0 South Africa
Mexico has a real chance to add to its goal tally with the extra man, but it’s not doing much about it.
El Tri seems very happy to just keep the ball at the back, playing safe passes and not probing the opposition.
It’s a strange decision with the scoreline still so narrow. Maybe, it backs its ability to keep South Africa out, but it’s leaving the door open to a potential comeback. It only takes a moment of brilliance for this to be all level.
The Mexican fans are not pleased and are letting the players know.
You might have thought South Africa might sit back and look to soak up the Mexico pressure after having a man sent off, but that hasn’t been the case yet.
If anything, it’s prompted Bafana Bafana to come out on the front foot. A long-range effort just stung the hands of El Tri goalkeeper Raúl Rangel and now South Africa is pressing high up the pitch.
It’s going to leave a lot of space for Mexico to attack.
We have our first red card of the tournament.
South Africa midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was at fault for the first goal, and now, he’s put his team in a real hole.
It was a stonewall sending off, with Sithole pulling back the Mexican attacker who was clear through on goal. It’s going to be a tough second half now.
Mexico, though, could do nothing with the resulting free-kick just outside the box.
We’ve only had just over two minutes of this second half and Mexico has already had a couple chances.
The latter was a long-range shot from close to the halfway line, a sign of how confident the co-host is feeling.
South Africa needs to get better at keeping the ball. At the moment, it’s all a bit directionless from them.
The teams have had their break and you’ll be thinking that, for Mexico, the squad will have been told to do much of the same. For South Africa, there was definitely a lot more going back to the drawing board.
We’ve got another 45 minutes or so of play, so sit back, relax and enjoy as the referee blows his whistle to get us back underway.
In big soccer news away from the World Cup, Real Madrid has signed José Mourinho to a three-year deal as its new manager until June 30, 2029, the club confirmed on Thursday, marking a sensational return for the two-time Champions League winner back to the Spanish capital.
Mourinho is set to join the club July 13, when the preseason officially begins
Mourinho, who most recently managed Benfica, returns to the Santiago Bernabéu amid a turbulent, trophyless and, at times, chaotic period in Madrid that has had the global media baffled and madridistas up in arms.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez made a Mourinho signing one of the core pillars of his presidential re-election campaign, and with Pérez winning another term at the head of Los Merengues, “The Special One” was almost certain to return to the club.
The Portuguese coach last managed Los Blancos from 2010 to 2013, bringing arguably the biggest club in world soccer back among the European elite following a middling period of performance on the pitch prior to his arrival.
Mourinho won three trophies in his time with Madrid: the 2010-11 Copa del Rey, the 2011-12 La Liga and the 2012 Spanish Supercup.
The streets around the Estadio Azteca have become an open-air stage for performances of traditional Mexican music as the opening game between the host country and South Africa gets underway.
Mariachi ensembles in full charro suits, traditional dancers and marimba players were among the performers welcoming fans as they entered the stadium ahead of the opening ceremony for what is the third edition of the tournament to be hosted by Mexico.
• Mexico takes the opening match: In a game that saw more red cards than goals, Mexico has won the opening match of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa. The goal from Julián Quiñones in the opening 10 minutes was more than enough, but Raúl Jiménez got a second in the second half – a wonderful moment for the striker.
• Opening ceremony: Shakira, Andrea Bocelli and J Balvin performed at today’s colorful opening ceremony. It was the first of three, highlighting some of the most popular and exciting artists from around the globe.
• Sign up for The Beautiful Game by CNN Sports, our daily World Cup newsletter.
• Cobertura en directo en español: sigue toda nuestra cobertura del Mundial en CNN en Español.
For all the build-up and excitement ahead of kickoff, the first match of the World Cup was a relatively academic affair.
Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City was marked by three red cards, two goals and one massive tournament getting underway in earnest.
El Tri got off to a fast start with a goal in the ninth minute, though it sadly was all about a mistake from South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole who got caught on the ball as his team tried to play out from a goal kick. Julián Quiñones made him pay with a fine finish, blasting a right-footed shot into the South African net.
Sithole’s afternoon got worse just after halftime when he received the tournament’s first red card, leaving Bafana Bafana with 10 men. The Mexicans would make them pay, as Raúl Jiménez scored his first World Cup goal for his country in an emotional moment.
The striker made a great run at the back post to nod in a fantastic cross. He burst into tears on the pitch after scoring, an emotional moment and a great comeback for the 35-year-old who suffered a serious head injury in 2020, which threatened his career. He was also playing in honor of his father, who died earlier this year.
The match ended with two different ugly moments as South Africa had another player sent off with a straight red card. Themba Zwane committed a needless foul, lashing out and catching his opponent with his hand off the ball.
And just before the full-time whistle, Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio adjudged that César Montes prevented a clear and obvious goalscoring opportunity by South Africa, which by the letter of the laws of soccer means a red card, despite its apparent harshness.
A few moments later, the full-time whistle blew and the Mexican fans could leave their legendary stadium thrilled. The tournament is well and truly underway, and their nation is likely on its way to the knockout rounds.
While the afternoon kickoff has already generated plenty of excitement, the festivities continue later tonight at 10:00 p.m. ET with a match between South Korea and Czech Republic. Tomorrow, the tournament will see two more opening ceremonies and two more matches in the US and Canada.
Canada starts the day at 3 p.m. ET, playing against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. The US concludes the tournament’s opening festivities in Los Angeles, taking the field against Paraguay at 9 p.m. ET.
Find the complete tournament schedule here.
Don’t forget that it’s not just the one game being played on the opening day of this World Cup. We also have an interesting matchup between South Korea and the Czech Republic, which kicks off late on Thursday.
For South Korea, it’s still all about Son Heung-min. The winger is by far the most experienced player on the national side and has been introduced to the US public since signing for Los Angeles FC at the start of the season. He will be supported though by some talented players in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in, Midtjylland forward Cho Gue-sung and Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan.
An industrious Czech Republic team, though, will keep its eyes on the one main job to do: Keep South Korea’s talisman quiet if it’s going to get anything from the game. The Repre will be buoyed by the fact their opponents are notoriously slow starters – the Taegeuk Warriors have failed to win their opening World Cup fixture in each of their last three tournaments.
Local and foreign World Cup fans outside the Estadio Azteca said they fed off the energy Mexico was brimming with on Thursday as the country took on South Africa in the opening match.
César, a fan from Monterrey, said he is among the fans who are thrilled to be hosting the tournament again.
“We’re very happy,” he said, dressed in the team’s green jersey, a blonde wig and bejeweled glasses.
Patricia and Virgelina, two fans from Colombia who are visiting Mexico for the first time, praised the lively ambiance, saying the country has “the best energy.”
They said they’re also traveling to Canada to enjoy the festivities there. They wanted to visit the US, as well, but one of them was denied a visa. “That’s the only negative thing we’ve had in this process,” Patricia said.
Mario, a Mexican fan who witnessed the last World Cup in the country, said, “It’s a source of pride for Mexico to host another World Cup.”
Ruben, another resident who witnessed the 1986 tournament, however, pointed out that not all fans are as excited this time around.
“Back in ’86 – wow, what a joy. It was different from what we’re experiencing right now,” he said, referring to the city’s ongoing protests.
One of the topics of discussion in the CNN Sports chat is the relative mismatch between Mexico and South Africa.
El Tri very clearly dominated the game according to the stats: Mexico had better possession, shots on goal, big chances created, accurate passes and duals won – in addition to scoring more goals.
Now, we obviously can’t extrapolate too much from one game – especially when there are 103 more to go – but you can’t help going back to one of the complaints fans and the media made when FIFA announced it was expanding the tournament to 48 teams.
Many people said that adding an additional 16 teams – 50% more than the last seven editions – would dilute the quality of the squads at the tournament and lead to a glut of mismatches in the group stages and round of 32. After watching today’s match, you get whispers of those concerns echoing through your mind.
Now, supporters of the expanded tournament might say it doesn’t matter. The chance for a smaller or a less traditionally good nation to compete at a World Cup outweighs the likelihood of having mismatches or, even, massive blowouts. I mean, you only need to look at Qatar 2022 – the last tournament with 32 teams – where Spain beat Costa Rica 7-0.
That being said, you can understand the worries of some, while also getting why others say we should let the passion and joy of the World Cup spread to more countries.
Either way, if you’re like me, you’re going to want to watch all of them.
Raúl Jiménez proved why he’s Mexico’s biggest goal threat at this World Cup. The striker was brilliant against South Africa, scoring one goal and creating multiple chances for his team.
He was left in tears after celebrating his goal, embraced by all his teammates who ran over to congratulate him.
He then pointed to the sky after walking back to his half, perhaps thinking about his father, who passed away earlier this year.
A powerful moment early in this World Cup.
After today’s opener, avid Mexican soccer fans will be looking ahead to when they can see their favorite team play next.
Following today’s match, fans will have to wait a week to see El Tri take on South Korea at 9 p.m. ET on June 18. Mexico’s final match of the group stage takes place on June 24 at 9 p.m. against Czech Republic.
South Africa, competing in Group A alongside Mexico, plays its next match on June 18 at noon against Czech Republic. On June 24, Bafana Bafana closes out their group stage play vs. South Korea.
Find the complete tournament schedule here.
With the expanded tournament, and so many third-place teams advancing, this win for Mexico should pretty much guarantee their passage into the knockout phase.
It’s feels crazy to say that after one match.
And just like that, the whistle is blown and the first game of this year’s World Cup is over.
Two goals, three red cards and players crying on the pitch with joy – what else did you expect?
Mexico proved why no one will want to come play it at the Estadio Azteca. It looks well-drilled, pragmatic and motivated to repay the support given to it from its thousands of fans.
South Africa, meanwhile, looked short of ideas and will need a big turnaround in form to get anything from this World Cup.
OK, yet another red card in this opening match. This time against Mexico’s César Montes…
Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio has adjudged that Montes prevented a clear and obvious goalscoring opportunity, which by the letter of the laws of soccer means a red card.
It does feel like a harsh red and the crowd is letting the referee know with a cacaphony of boos.
Another red card for South Africa — this time for Themba Zwane — as this opening game goes from bad to worse.
It’s such a needless thing to do from Zwane, who lashed out and caught his opponent with his hand off the ball.
The referee didn’t see it at first, but was told to review the incident by the video assistant referee (VAR). South Africa will want to forget this game ever happened.
South Africa hasn’t been able to enjoy a long period of possession in this game. It’s had moments where its looked more relaxed, but it’s chasing the game once again.
There is a danger this game could run away with them because they are leaving so much space for Mexico to attack and have started lunging into some hard tackles.
You wouldn’t bet against South Africa picking up more cards and conceding more goals here.
Meanwhile, it’s a party in the stands for the Mexican fans. One that is likely to run late into the night if the score remains the same.
Just like that, the game is all but over.
Raúl Jiménez has been brilliant today and he’s finally got his goal. The attacker made a great run at the back post to nod in a fantastic cross.
The striker is in tears on the pitch. It’s been a great comeback for the 35-year-old who suffered a serious head injury in 2020, which threatened his career.
Now, he’s a goalscorer at a World Cup on home soil.
Score: Mexico 2 – 0 South Africa
Mexico has a real chance to add to its goal tally with the extra man, but it’s not doing much about it.
El Tri seems very happy to just keep the ball at the back, playing safe passes and not probing the opposition.
It’s a strange decision with the scoreline still so narrow. Maybe, it backs its ability to keep South Africa out, but it’s leaving the door open to a potential comeback. It only takes a moment of brilliance for this to be all level.
The Mexican fans are not pleased and are letting the players know.
You might have thought South Africa might sit back and look to soak up the Mexico pressure after having a man sent off, but that hasn’t been the case yet.
If anything, it’s prompted Bafana Bafana to come out on the front foot. A long-range effort just stung the hands of El Tri goalkeeper Raúl Rangel and now South Africa is pressing high up the pitch.
It’s going to leave a lot of space for Mexico to attack.
We have our first red card of the tournament.
South Africa midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was at fault for the first goal, and now, he’s put his team in a real hole.
It was a stonewall sending off, with Sithole pulling back the Mexican attacker who was clear through on goal. It’s going to be a tough second half now.
Mexico, though, could do nothing with the resulting free-kick just outside the box.
We’ve only had just over two minutes of this second half and Mexico has already had a couple chances.
The latter was a long-range shot from close to the halfway line, a sign of how confident the co-host is feeling.
South Africa needs to get better at keeping the ball. At the moment, it’s all a bit directionless from them.
The teams have had their break and you’ll be thinking that, for Mexico, the squad will have been told to do much of the same. For South Africa, there was definitely a lot more going back to the drawing board.
We’ve got another 45 minutes or so of play, so sit back, relax and enjoy as the referee blows his whistle to get us back underway.
In big soccer news away from the World Cup, Real Madrid has signed José Mourinho to a three-year deal as its new manager until June 30, 2029, the club confirmed on Thursday, marking a sensational return for the two-time Champions League winner back to the Spanish capital.
Mourinho is set to join the club July 13, when the preseason officially begins
Mourinho, who most recently managed Benfica, returns to the Santiago Bernabéu amid a turbulent, trophyless and, at times, chaotic period in Madrid that has had the global media baffled and madridistas up in arms.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez made a Mourinho signing one of the core pillars of his presidential re-election campaign, and with Pérez winning another term at the head of Los Merengues, “The Special One” was almost certain to return to the club.
The Portuguese coach last managed Los Blancos from 2010 to 2013, bringing arguably the biggest club in world soccer back among the European elite following a middling period of performance on the pitch prior to his arrival.
Mourinho won three trophies in his time with Madrid: the 2010-11 Copa del Rey, the 2011-12 La Liga and the 2012 Spanish Supercup.
The streets around the Estadio Azteca have become an open-air stage for performances of traditional Mexican music as the opening game between the host country and South Africa gets underway.
Mariachi ensembles in full charro suits, traditional dancers and marimba players were among the performers welcoming fans as they entered the stadium ahead of the opening ceremony for what is the third edition of the tournament to be hosted by Mexico.
Responses