MEXICO CITY : The 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway with controversy and drama on Thursday as co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a match overshadowed by three red cards, while South Korea came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in Guadalajara.
Mexico made a winning start in front of their home fans, but the opening game will be remembered as much for the disciplinary issues as the result after Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio issued three straight red cards.
Julian Quinones scored the first goal of the tournament in the ninth minute, turning in a cross that slipped through the legs of South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Mexico doubled their lead midway through the second half when veteran striker Raul Jimenez headed home to seal all three points.
The contest turned increasingly ill-tempered as South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, along with Mexico defender Cesar Montes, were all shown straight red cards.
Later in Guadalajara, South Korea recovered from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory over Czechia in an entertaining Group A encounter.
Czech captain Ladislav Krejci gave his side the lead in the 59th minute, heading home to put the Europeans in control.
South Korea responded eight minutes later through Hwang In-beom, who curled a low shot into the corner after being played through on goal.
Hwang then completed an outstanding individual display by setting up the winner in the 80th minute, delivering a low cross from the right for substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu to finish from close range.
The midfielder’s goal and assist earned him player-of-the-match honours as South Korea joined Mexico on three points at the top of Group A.
While Mexico’s opener was marked by disciplinary controversy, South Korea’s comeback ensured the tournament’s first day ended with a reminder of the drama the World Cup can produce.
