Mexico and South Korea Secure Opening Victories at FIFA World Cup 2026
Published June 12, 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially commenced, with co-host Mexico and South Korea each securing crucial victories in their opening matches. Meanwhile, Australia is gearing up for its first group stage encounter against Turkey.
Published — local time around the world
The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 has kicked off across North America, with early results already shaping the group stages. Co-host nation Mexico delivered a strong performance in their inaugural match, defeating South Africa 2-0 at the iconic Mexico City Stadium. The opening goal of the tournament was reportedly scored by Julián Quiñones, setting a positive tone for the home side in Group A.
Adding to the excitement, South Korea also celebrated an opening victory, though details of their specific opponent and scoreline were not immediately available. These early wins provide a significant boost for both nations as they navigate the expanded 48-team tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico across 16 venues throughout June and July 2026.
As the global football spectacle unfolds, attention is now turning to other teams preparing for their first taste of action. The Australian national team, known as the Socceroos, is diligently preparing for their initial group stage fixture. They are set to face Turkey on Sunday, aiming to start their World Cup campaign on a high note and make an impact on the world stage.