Mexico, Korea Republic Secure Opening Wins at FIFA World Cup 2026
Published June 12, 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has commenced with strong starts for co-hosts Mexico and Korea Republic, both securing victories in their opening matches. Meanwhile, Australia's Socceroos are gearing up for their Group D debut.
Published — local time around the world
The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 has officially kicked off, and the opening day saw two nations, including one of the co-hosts, register crucial victories. Mexico, playing on home soil, successfully launched their campaign with a win, setting an early positive tone for their tournament aspirations. Similarly, Korea Republic also celebrated an opening-day triumph, demonstrating their intent early in the competition which features an expanded format with 48 teams across 16 venues in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
These early results are significant as teams vie for position in their respective groups during the initial stages of the global football spectacle. Securing three points in the first match can provide a vital confidence boost and a strong foundation for progression to the knockout rounds, a key objective for all participating nations.
As the tournament unfolds, attention is also turning to other teams preparing for their first encounters. The Australian Socceroos, for instance, are deep in preparations for their Group D opener. They are set to face Türkiye this Sunday, marking their entry into the competition and hoping to emulate the winning starts seen on day one.
With matches scheduled throughout June and July 2026, the initial results from Mexico and Korea Republic underscore the competitive nature of the World Cup from the very first whistle, promising an exciting championship for football fans worldwide.