Mexico Kicks Off World Cup 2026 with Victory; USA, Canada Prepare for Openers

The 2026 FIFA World Cup roared to life with co-host Mexico claiming a decisive 2-0 victory over South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium. The opening match saw Julián Quiñones net the tournament's first goal in the ninth minute, setting an energetic tone for El Tri. Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez then doubled Mexico's lead in the second half with an emotional header, marking a significant return to form for the player who has overcome a serious past injury.

As Mexico celebrates its strong start, fellow North American co-hosts, the United States and Canada, are gearing up for their respective home openers. The USA is slated to face Paraguay, while Canada will take on Bosnia-Herzegovina. Both nations will be eager to make a positive impression on home soil, with Canada particularly aiming to secure its first-ever World Cup win, having gone without a victory in its previous two appearances in 1986 and 2022.

Beyond the host nations' fixtures, the early stages of the tournament have already delivered competitive action. In another match held in Guadalajara, South Korea mounted a comeback to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1, with all three goals arriving in a thrilling second half. With 48 teams competing across 16 venues in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament, spanning June and July 2026, promises a packed schedule of global football.