Jayden Adams (C) of South Africa competes during the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)
MEXICO CITY, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Mexico and South Korea began with victories on an absorbing opening day of the FIFA World Cup on Thursday.
The tournament kicked off in front of 80,000 fans at Mexico City Stadium with a rousing opening ceremony that included live performances from Shakira, Burna Boy and J Balvin.
But the main attraction for the heavily partisan crowd was the football, and the home side didn't disappoint as Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in each half to secure a 2-0 win over a South African side that finished with nine men.
Quinones capitalized on a turnover to give his side an early lead before Sphephelo Sithole received a red card for bringing down Brian Gutierrez.
Jimenez nodded in Mexico's second goal and South Africa suffered a further blow when Themba Zwane was also sent off for a high challenge on Roberto Alvarado.
Mexico also finished the match a man down after defender Cesar Montes was dismissed for an ugly challenge on Khuliso Mudau.
"We were superior but the score did not reflect that," Mexico manager Javier Aguirre told reporters, admitting the occasion overwhelmed some of his players. "Things got a little complicated but we relaxed and we did start with a win. Can we make it better? Of course."
"When we looked at the stadium, it was incredible. We got a little bit of stage fright."
South Africa manager Hugo Broos was encouraged by his team's performance, despite acknowledging Mexico's superiority.
"If we show the same mentality and play the same way as today, I'm sure we will have great results in the next two games," he said.
In Guadalajara, Hwang In-beom scored one goal and set up another as South Korea recovered from a goal down to beat the Czech Republic 2-1.
After a tight first half, the Czech Republic captain Ladislav Krejci headed home from a long throw in just before the hour. Hwang equalized by lifting a shot over goalkeeper Matej Kovar following Lee Kang-in's through ball.
Feyenoord midfielder Hwang then turned provider, cutting the ball back for substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu, who fired home the winner 10 minutes from time. ■
Israel Reyes (front) of Mexico shoots during the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (L) of South Africa competes during the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)
Alexis Vega (L) of Mexico competes during the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)
Cesar Huerta (L) of Mexico vies with Sphephelo Sithole of South Africa during the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)
Armando Gonzalez (L) of Mexico competes during the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)
Lee Gi-hyuk (R) of South Korea vies with Tomas Chory of the Czech Republic during the group A match between South Korea and the Czech Republic at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)
Tomas Chory (L) of the Czech Republic heads the ball during the group A match between South Korea and the Czech Republic at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)
Son Heung-min (2nd R) of South Korea dribbles the ball during the group A match between South Korea and the Czech Republic at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)
Son Heung-min (R) of South Korea reacts during the group A match between South Korea and the Czech Republic at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)
Lee Han-beom (C) of South Korea vies with Patrik Schick (L) of the Czech Republic during the group A match between South Korea and the Czech Republic at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)