Mexico & South Korea Win Group A Openers at 2026 World Cup

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Mexico and South Korea Open 2026 World Cup with Group A Wins in Red Card-Marred Opener

Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 at the Azteca in a record-breaking, three-red-card opening match, while South Korea came from behind to edge Czech Republic 2-1 in Guadalajara — sending both sides to the top of Group A on Day 1 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In the tournament's curtain-raiser, Julian Quiñones struck early in the 9th minute before Raul Jimenez sealed the win with a 67th-minute goal — the 35-year-old striker's first ever at a World Cup. The match was overshadowed by an extraordinary disciplinary record: South Africa's Sfifelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off, and Mexico captain Cesar Montes followed in stoppage time, making it the first World Cup opening match in history to produce three red cards. Dynamo Moscow midfielder Luis Chavez came on as a second-half substitute for the hosts.

The result ended a painful personal record for Mexico, who had never previously won a World Cup opening match — suffering five defeats and two draws across seven previous appearances. The Azteca meanwhile became the first stadium in history to host opening matches at three World Cups, having also staged the ceremonial openers in 1970 and 1986.

In Guadalajara, South Korea produced a comeback win against Czech Republic. Ladislav Krejci put the Czechs ahead in the 59th minute, but Korea responded through Hwang In-beom in the 67th and Oh Hyeon-gyu in the 80th to claim all three points.

Mexico and South Korea lead Group A with three points apiece after the opening round. The sides meet each other on June 19, while Czech Republic face South Africa on June 18.

The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 nations and the first co-hosted across three countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament runs through July 19. Defending champions Argentina enter their campaign later in the group stage.