Story by Anashe Murombedzi
MEXICO and South Korea launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns in style, recording victories in their opening Group A matches as the expanded global tournament got underway.
Co-hosts Mexico thrilled a capacity crowd at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday night with a commanding 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament’s opening fixture.
Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez stole the spotlight, scoring his first FIFA World Cup goal to move level with Jared Borgetti on 46 international goals for Mexico, behind only Javier “Chicharito” Hernández’s national record of 52.
The victory sparked celebrations among the 87 000 supporters inside the iconic stadium and propelled El Tri to the top of Group A.
The match was also marked by disciplinary drama, with South Africa finishing the contest with nine players after two red cards in a heated encounter.
Earlier on Friday, South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 at Estadio Akron and secure a positive start to their campaign.
The Taegeuk Warriors recovered from an early setback to register their eighth FIFA World Cup victory and strengthen their position in the group.
Midfielder Hwang In-beom delivered a standout performance, becoming the first South Korean player since 1994 to score and provide an assist in the same World Cup match, and only the third player from the country to achieve the feat since 1986.
The tournament continues later on Friday when co-hosts Canada begin their Group B campaign against Bosnia-Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto.
With Qatar and Switzerland also in the group, Canada will be targeting maximum points to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stages on home soil.
