South Korea and Mexico Kick Off 2026 FIFA World Cup with Victories
In an exciting start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, South Korea and co-host Mexico both secured victories in their opening matches, setting the stage for a competitive tournament in Group A.
South Korea staged a thrilling comeback against Czechia, winning 2-1 in Guadalajara. After conceding an early goal from Ladislav Krejčí, who scored with a header following a long throw, South Korea equalized through Hwang In-beom. The decisive moment came in the 80th minute when substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu netted the winner, sealing a hard-fought victory for the Asian side.
Meanwhile, in the tournament’s opening match at Estadio Azteca, Mexico showcased their prowess by defeating South Africa 2-0. Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, the latter scoring his first-ever World Cup goal with a powerful header in the second half, were pivotal in securing the win for the hosts. The match was marked by intense physicality, resulting in three red cards—two for South Africa and one for Mexican captain César Montes—adding to the chaotic atmosphere of the tournament’s commencement.
With these results, both Mexico and South Korea sit atop Group A with three points each, promising an exciting continuation in the group stage.