MEXICO CITY — 12 June 2026, Co-hosts Mexico and South Korea both secured opening victories in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, defeating South Africa and the Czech Republic respectively.
Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 to claim three points in their opening match.
The hosts took the lead after just nine minutes when Julián Quiñones found the net, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.
South Africa’s task became more difficult four minutes into the second half when Yaya Sithole was sent off for fouling an opponent through on goal in the 49th minute.
With a numerical advantage, Mexico doubled their lead in the 67th minute through Raúl Jiménez.
South Africa were reduced to nine men in the 83rd minute when Temba Zwane received a red card following a VAR review that found he had elbowed an opponent.
Mexico also finished the match with 10 men after defender César Montes was sent off in stoppage time for bringing down an opponent who was through on goal.
The victory gave Mexico three points from their opening Group A fixture.
In the group’s other match, South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico.
South Korea controlled much of the first half and nearly took the lead in the 13th minute, but Lee Kang-in’s long-range effort was pushed away by Czech goalkeeper Matěj Kovář.
The sides went into the break level at 0-0.
South Korea threatened again in the 55th minute when Son Heung-min broke into the penalty area, only to be denied by Kovář.
The Czech Republic took the lead four minutes later. Vladimír Coufal launched a long throw into the box and Ladislav Krejčí rose highest to head home in the 59th minute.
South Korea equalised in the 67th minute after sustained pressure, with Hwang In-beom breaking into the area, rounding the goalkeeper and finishing neatly.
The Czech Republic thought they had regained the lead in the 77th minute when Tomáš Souček headed in from a free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
South Korea completed the comeback in the 80th minute when Hwang delivered a cross from the flank and Oh Hyeon-gyu converted from close range.
The result gave South Korea their first three points of the tournament.
South Korea will next face hosts Mexico at 08:00 on 19 June, while the Czech Republic will take on South Africa at 23:00 on 18 June, both times in Thailand.