2026 FIFA World Cup Kicks Off in Mexico with Historic Opening Day
Published June 12, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, with Mexico City's Estadio Azteca hosting a historic opening ceremony and the first matches of the tournament, featuring wins for both Mexico and South Korea.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 commenced its highly anticipated run on Thursday, with Mexico playing host to the opening festivities. The iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a venue steeped in football history, once again took center stage, marking an unprecedented third time it has hosted the tournament's inaugural match. This monumental event sets the tone for a competition spread across three nations – Mexico, the United States, and Canada – featuring an expanded format with 48 teams.
Following a vibrant opening ceremony that reportedly featured performances from international artists like Shakira and Burna Boy, the host nation Mexico delivered a commanding performance. They secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa, much to the delight of the home crowd. Julián Quiñones made history by scoring the first goal of the 2026 World Cup, with veteran forward Raúl Jiménez adding a second to seal the win. The match was not without its drama, as three red cards were issued, underscoring the intense competition already on display.
The excitement continued in Guadalajara, where South Korea staged an impressive comeback against the Czech Republic, clinching a 2-1 win. Hwang In-beom found the net, followed by a crucial goal from substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu, turning the tide after trailing. This result places South Korea level on points with Mexico in Group A after the opening day, setting up an intriguing battle for progression in the early stages of the tournament.