The World Cup 2026 action continued as Czech Republic and South Korea faced off in the second Group A match in Zapopan.
The Czechs took the lead when captain Ladislav Krejci headed the European side in front in the second half. But Hwang In-Beom equalised a few minutes later with a clever finish, before playing his role in the build-up as substitute Oh Hyeon-Gyu got the winner.
Earlier on day one, three players were sent off in the opening game for the first time in World Cup history as co-hosts Mexico defeated nine-man South Africa in a chaotic match at a raucous Estadio Azetca in Mexico City. Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were shown red cards for South Africa before Mexico captain Cesar Montes was sent off in stoppage time. Three red cards is the most in a single World Cup game since 2006.
There was also an emotional moment for Raul Jimenez, who doubled Mexico’s lead with a second-half header six years after suffering a life-threatening fractured skull when playing for Wolves against Arsenal. He appeared to have tears in his eyes as he celebrated with his team-mates. Earlier, Music icons Shakira and Burna Boy headlined a star-studded opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca – the first of three at the tournament, with the US and Canada also hosting their own ceremonies tomorrow.
Follow all the action from the World Cup 2026 below:
World Cup 2026 - live updates
- Mexico dominate South Africa with three red cards in World Cup opener
- Shakira and Burna Boy light up World Cup opening ceremony
- USA flag booed before World Cup 2026 opening game in Mexico City
- Fox criticised over World Cup 2026 coverage after missing Shakira and action during hydration breaks
- 45+2' Son squanders South Korea chances as Czechs survive
- 59' GOAL! Ladislav Krejci heads Czech Republic in front
Match report: Korea 2-1 Czechia
06:33 , Lawrence Ostlere
South Korea came back from a goal down to snatch a thrilling 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their World Cup Group A opener on Thursday, substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu grabbing the winner in the 80th minute.
Korea captain Son Heung-Min wasted a number of decent chances before his Czech counterpart Ladislav Krejci broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 59th minute by heading home from a long throw-in, but the lead was short-lived as Hwang In-Beom kept his cool to dink the equaliser over the keeper eight minutes later.
Tomas Soucek thought he had put the Czechs back in front with a header from a free kick in the 77th minute but the goal was chalked off for offside, and less than three minutes later the Koreans went ahead as Hwang turned provider, pulling the ball back for Oh to fire home from close range.
Co-hosts Mexico top the group after their 2-0 win over South Africa and they will meet the South Koreans in Guadalajara next Thursday, while the Czechs take on South Africa in Atlanta.
Superstar boxer Canelo Alvarez meets football royalty before Mexico v South Africa
06:00 , Jack Rathborn
CHAMPIONS ALL AROUND 🇲🇽🇧🇷
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) June 11, 2026
Canelo Alvarez posted with Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos at the World Cup in Mexico ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Y9QfbJ2NFs
Korea seal comeback win
05:25 , Lawrence Ostlere
Full-time scenes as South Korea celebrate victory in their opening game. It was well deserved, too, after being the better side for much of the match.
Korea seal comeback win
05:01 , Lawrence Ostlere
Full-time – South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic
That’s it, and South Korea get off to the perfect start in Group A. Mexico lead the standings on goal difference, and now there’s plenty of work to do for both Czechia and South Africa.
South Korea's double salvo
04:45 , Lawrence Ostlere
Will those two goals deliver three points?
GOAL! Oh Hyeon-Gyu completes turnaround
04:42 , Lawrence Ostlere
80 mins – South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic
There it is! Hwang, who scored the first Korean goal, plays a key role here with a lovely ball into the box, and substitute Oh Hyeon-Gyu pounces to knock home from close range. Korea were trailing only 20 minutes ago, but they’re in front now with a lead to protect.
GOAL! Hwang In-Beom levels
04:30 , Lawrence Ostlere
67 mins – South Korea 1-1 Czech Republic
This ia a lovely finish by Hwang In-Beom, showing composure where Son Heung-Min has not. Hwang goes through on goal but instead of rushing the finish on his left foot, he chops the ball back on to his right, selling goalkeeper Kovar to the floor, and then finishes calmly with a little scoop into the far corner of the empty net.
Ladislav Krejci's goal is the difference
04:26 , Lawrence Ostlere
That goal in pictures:
GOAL! Krejci heads Czech's in front
04:19 , Lawrence Ostlere
59 mins - South Korea 0-1 Czech Republic
And Korea are made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal as Ladislav Krejci leaps highest at a corner to head the Czechs in front from close range!
Son squanders another opportunity
04:17 , Lawrence Ostlere
55 mins - South Korea 0-0 Czech Republic
Another big chance for Son Heung-min goes begging, as Kovar rushes out and smothers the shot with his body. Son was through on goal and really should have put Korea ahead there!
04:07 , Lawrence Ostlere
South Korea 0-0 Czech Republic
The second half is underway in Mexico, and Czechia are on the attack.
Son Heung Min squanders South Korea chance as Czech Republic survive
03:49 , Jack Rathborn
45+2 mins - South Korea 0-0 Czech Republic
Son Heung Min has missed another chance for South Korea with Czech Republic desperate for half-time.
The LAFC star started the move and the slick movement was impressive with the delicate reverse ball affording him a great look at goal after crashing the box.
But Son slipped at the crucial moment, still 0-0.
Czech Republic on the ropes as Son Heung Min fires wide for South Korea
03:44 , Jack Rathborn
40 mins - South Korea 0-0 Czech Republic
South Korea should be ahead! Czech Republic are on the ropes here, with Son Heung Min firing off shots at Matej Kovar’s goal.
But the LAFC star is unable to find the target, despite time and space, on two occasions as we approach the break.
It should be noted, the hydration break disrupted the tempo of the game, just like it did in Mexico City between Mexico and South Africa.
Czech Republic growing in confidence after weathering South Korea storm
03:34 , Jack Rathborn
30 mins - South Korea 0-0 Czech Republic
South Korea’s play has been met by a stubborn a Czech Republic outfit.
Despite holding 53% possession, with 34% to Czech Republic and 13% “in contest,” in the words of FS1, there is a growing confidence in Miroslav Koubek’s side.
They are growing into this contest. 0-0.
CHANCE! South Korea goes close through Son Heung Min
03:15 , Jack Rathborn
12 mins - South Korea 0-0 Czech Republic
Lee Jae-Sung was in behind for South Korea, with Czech Republic carved open.
A lovely lay-off for Son Heung Min, but his shot is deflected wide.
And then Lee Kang-In has a swing, the ball is moving all over the place, but Matej Kovar punches it clear. All Korea so far!
South Korea v Czech Republic
02:56 , Jack Rathborn
Seeing red - again
02:49 , Alan Smith
2 - South Africa are the first team to receive two red cards in a FIFA World Cup match since 2006, when both Portugal and Netherlands had two players sent off in their round of 16 clash.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 11, 2026
Nuremberg. pic.twitter.com/BkrS3TSngx
John Terry tips South Africa to rediscover identity after World Cup setback
02:34 , Jack Rathborn
"Every game is so difficult," John Terry says. "It's a really young group, they'll be better for this.
“I want to see passion, in the games I've seen, it's front-foot, from the outside, there's a gameplan. Tonight, are we building up from the back, I'm not sure, are we going direct or long, I'm not sure.
“We don't know what South Africa team that was tonight, we want to see a South Africa team that is passionate and gives it a go."
Roy Keane sums up South Africa
02:30 , Alan Smith
“To self-destruct like that? You’ve got no chance.”
South Korea line-up to face Czech Republic
02:09 , Jack Rathborn
South Korea XI: Kim; Han-beom, Min-Jae, Gi-hyuk; Young-woo, Inbeom, Paik, Tae-seok; Kang-in, Jae-sung; Son
체코전에 나서는 대한민국 축구국가대표팀🇰🇷 선발 라인업을 공개합니다.
— theKFA (@theKFA) June 12, 2026
한계를 넘어 하나된 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐬✨
✔2026 FIFA 북중미 월드컵 조별리그 1차전
vs. 체코 6/12(금) 11:00
@과달라하라 스타디움
⏰한국시간 기준
📺JTBC, KBS2, 치지직#대한민국 #축구국가대표팀 #FIFAWorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/tlW7LuJk1u
Czech Republic line-up to face South Korea
02:08 , Jack Rathborn
Czech Republic XI: Kovar; Chaloupek, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Soucek, Sojka, Zeleny; Sulc, Provod; Schick
𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗫𝗜! 🇰🇷🆚🇨🇿
— Česká fotbalová reprezentace (@ceskarepre_cz) June 12, 2026
Jména naší základní sestavy pro první utkání na světovém šampionátu rozzářila i jihokorejské ulice. 🌃⚽🏆🇨🇿 #FIFAWorldCup #ProTenhleMoment pic.twitter.com/JCvgFSp8wt
'Not one player did themselves justice'
02:00 , Alan Smith
Former South Africa midfielder Dean Furman was not holding back on BBC radio.
“To lose someone like Themba Zwane - he's the experienced member of the team, the one who's going to come on if a game's tight and add a little bit of quality but South Africa were just miles off it,” Furman said on 5 Live.
“There's really not one player on that pitch in a yellow shirt who can hold their hands up and say they did themselves justice unfortunately.”
Seeing red
01:30 , Alan Smith
3 - In the first game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there were three red cards awarded.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 11, 2026
At the 2022 World Cup, only four red cards were shown in 64 games overall.
Brandished. pic.twitter.com/YWYjy2Mu27
More Mora history
01:00 , Alan Smith
17 - At 17 years and 240 days, Mexico’s Gilberto Mora is the youngest player to represent a host nation in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 11, 2026
🇲🇽 Pride. https://t.co/j5MihrPDXg pic.twitter.com/YozVVamIte
'We're not used to this'
Friday 12 June 2026 00:30 , Alan Smith
“If you make mistakes, they will punish you,” South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams says. “They will hurt you at this level. I think the most important thing is that now we know what we’re up against, because we’re not used to this.
“We haven’t been part of the World Cup for a very long time. We went down, but we kept fighting. We didn’t give them anything towards the end. We had a few decent chances as well. We’ll keep fighting, we’ll keep going as a team, and we’ll be better.”
Fox criticised over World Cup 2026 coverage after missing Shakira and action during hydration breaks
Friday 12 June 2026 00:25 , Mike Jones
US broadcaster Fox has come under fire for its coverage of the first World Cup game between Mexico and South Africa after repeated cuts to advertisements meant audiences missed parts of the action.
The television broadcast also missed the entirety of Shakira’s performance in the opening ceremony before the game which also disgruntled viewers.
Fox criticised over World Cup coverage after missing action and Shakira
USA flag booed before World Cup 2026 opening game in Mexico City
Friday 12 June 2026 00:24 , Mike Jones
The United States flag appeared to be met with loud boos and jeers before the opening game of the World Cup in Mexico City.
Ahead of the big kick-off between Mexico and South Africa, the flags of all 48 teams participating in this summer’s tournament were paraded onto the pitch.
USA flag booed before World Cup 2026 opening game in Mexico City
Mexico's opening act
Friday 12 June 2026 00:01 , Alan Smith
MEX 🇲🇽 2-0 🇿🇦 RSA (FT) - Mexico have WON a World Cup opener for the FIRST TIME ever.
— MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) June 11, 2026
6th attempt:
1930: 1-4 vs France
1950: 0-4 vs Brazil
1958: 0-3 vs Sweden
1970: 0-0 vs USSR
2010: 1-1 vs South Africa
2026: 2-0 vs South Africa ✅
What's next?
Thursday 11 June 2026 23:45 , Alan Smith
Group A’s other opening fixture between Czech Republic and South Korea kicks off at 03:00 BST, Friday, from Guadalajara.
That one will be shown live on ITV as well for those committing to a long night.
Then we will be back for Canada’s bow at 20:00 BST when they host Bosnia in Toronto.
Mora history
Thursday 11 June 2026 23:35 , Alan Smith
As per Fifa, Gilberto Mora, at 17 years and 240 days, became the sixth-youngest player to make a World Cup appearance.
Pele (17 years and 235 days), Salomon Olembe (17 years and 185 days), Femi Opabunmi (17 years and 101 days), Samuel Eto’o (17 years and 99 days) and Norman Whiteside (17 years and 41 days) were his junior.
Reds spoil otherwise party atmosphere
Thursday 11 June 2026 23:30 , Jack Rathborn
Mexico got the World Cup party started as the co-hosts swept away South Africa 2-0 on Thursday in an encounter with three red cards as the quadrennial football extravaganza got underway at the Azteca stadium.
Julian Quinones's early strike set the tone for a dominant Mexican display in the Group A encounter `with Raul Jimenez's header midway through the second half removing any lingering tension for the home crowd. Yet the match will be remembered as much for the three dismissals, with South Africa having Sphephelo Sithole sent off early in the second half, with his teammate Themba Zwane following him off the pitch before Mexico's Cesar Montes was dismissed in the dying moments.
The ill-tempered encounter `spoiled an otherwise party atmosphere, yet the home crowd got to celebrate an opening victory that will set them up nicely to make it out of a group `that also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic. The game was barely minutes old when Jimenez stung the fingertips of South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with a volley from 12 yards, but the tournament's opening goal was not long in coming.
Mexico kick-start World Cup party with win over South Africa
Quinones: Spectacular, amazing
Thursday 11 June 2026 23:20 , Alan Smith
Julian Quinones, who was man of the match, said: “I’m happy and excited to score my first World Cup goal, in such a spectacular stadium with amazing fans.
“It’s important for me to acknowledge what my team-mates did to secure the first three points. We’ve felt the support of the fans these past few days. We’re united and today it really showed.”
'Beautiful beyond words'
Thursday 11 June 2026 23:10 , Alan Smith
Roberto Alvarado, who was pretty good on the wing for Mexico, speaks afterwards, via Fifa: “It was a really beautiful feeling, something beyond words, something I had always dreamed of: playing a match of this magnitude, at home, with these fans.
“The game plan is always to go out and press. After that, we dropped the tempo a bit, and maybe we lacked a little more patience and possession of the ball. I’m happy that Raul was able to score that goal.
“At half-time, he told me to send in a cross for him. I didn’t think twice, and I knew that in that area it could be dangerous. Thank God I got the assist and Raul was able to score that goal.”
Match report
Thursday 11 June 2026 23:00 , Alan Smith
Raul Jimenez provided Mexico with a “very special moment” to kick off the World Cup for the co-hosts in a 2-0 victory over South Africa, which included three red cards.
The Wolves striker, starting in the World Cup for the first time, scored his first goal in the tournament with a powerful header.
Jimenez, who overcame a career-threatening head injury in 2020, was brought to tears after scoring at the Estadio Azteca, doubling the hosts’ lead after Julián Quiñones had scored the first goal of the tournament.
The 35-year-old was emotional after his father died aged 62 just three months ago, with pundits Thierry Henry and former teammate Javier Hernandez paying tribute to him.
Henry told Fox: “Why was he emotional? Because I remember everyone thought his career was over, then he came back but I'm sure he was thinking of his dad.”
Raul Jimenez’s tears in Mexico World Cup celebration for late father
Protest update
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:50 , Alan Smith
We posted some pictures of protests outside the Azteca before the game got underway.
This video from a POLITICO reporter at the scene indicates that there was a reasonable amount of trouble.
🚨Thousands of Mexican protestors lashing out at Sheinbaum administration outside the Azteca Stadium as the World Cup kicks off, throwing cones and plant pots across the security perimeter and at police pic.twitter.com/XEEzh6baCu
— Sophia Cai (@SophiaCai99) June 11, 2026
Military jet flyover + the scene outside Azteca Stadium at the start of the match pic.twitter.com/WMFyuaaOT4
— Sophia Cai (@SophiaCai99) June 11, 2026
Stat attack
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:40 , Alan Smith
Mexico were in complete control from start to finish - they had a touch more than 60% of the ball and took 16 shots compared to South Africa’s three, though they only put four on target compared to their opponents’ two.
Jimenez reaction
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:30 , Alan Smith
“Very emotional for Raul Jimenez. If it was me, I would probably feel the same,” Ian Wright tells ITV. “The thing about it is when he scores the goal as he runs off, you can see the realisation and that is where the emotion comes.”
Gary Neville adds: “That is likely to be the greatest moment of his life from a football perspective, scoring in front of 80,000 in that stadium, in his home country. It is a great moment for him.”
Red cards analysed
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:20 , Alan Smith
Quicker to his keyboard than the referee was to the pocket containing his cards, Independent Sport’s Michael Jones has detailed why all three reds were given in a game that did not have that many bad challenges.
Three red cards in the World Cup’s opening game – why were the players sent off?
Packed crowd
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:18 , Alan Smith
For those keen on such info the attendance today was 80,824. And what memories they will take from it.
'A massive emotional moment'
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:14 , Alan Smith
Thierry Henry, speaking on Fox, says of Raul Jimenez: "Why was he crying? Because I remember everyone thought his career was over, then he came back, but I'm sure he was thinking of his dad, he was looking at the boxes, and I think he realised his dad was not sitting there and seeing him score at a World Cup at the Estadio Azteca. I'll be honest, we're talking about emotion and we already have a massive emotional moment."
Full circle?
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:08 , Alan Smith
#GetThisChip - César Montes 🇲🇽 is the 7th Mexico player ever sent off at a World Cup.
— MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) June 11, 2026
The last one? Luis Ernesto Pérez vs Portugal 2006 — 20 years ago.
The first one? Javier Aguirre vs West Germany 1986 — Mexico's CURRENT head coach.
Snap thoughts: Mexico good, South Africa awful, Azteca magnificent
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:06 , Alan Smith
Mexico were fully deserving of that win but as much down to their opponents’ dreadful decision-making as their own inventiveness.
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos cannot legislate for some of the basic errors made by his team - and that was before the two red cards ended all chance of a fightback.
Raul Jimenez’s goal to make it 2-0, met with tears by the veteran forward, will live in the memory for some time but the real star of opening day was the Azteca, the most glorious of footballing cathedrals hosting a third World Cup.
FULL-TIME! Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:04 , Alan Smith
And Mexico have lift off in the 2026 World Cup.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:02 , Alan Smith
90+5’ - Into the final two minutes and South Africa are now taking their time in possession at the back with no sign of a press - otherwise known as waiting for the final seconds to tick by before shifting their attention to the next fixture.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:00 , Alan Smith
90+4’ - South Africa make a mess of the free kick, deciding to take it short, allowing Mexico to escape without further punishment. That sums up Bafana Bafana’s performance.
RED CARD! Mexico 2-0 South Africa (Montes, 90+2')
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:59 , Alan Smith
There’s a twist. Mexico are down to 10 men after Montes fouls Mudau, who is counterattacking down the right and only has the defender to beat. There is some shock at the decision but it is the denial of a goalscoring opportunity.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:57 , Alan Smith
90’ - There will be seven minutes added on. Three of them for the hydration break.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:56 , Alan Smith
89’ - South Africa can still fix this campaign, such is the folly of a format where 32 of 48 teams progress from the group stages. But they need to be so much better - and without two players owing to suspension - to even earn a single point. This has been not far off shambolic, even if the story remains the co-hosts getting off to winning ways.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:54 , Alan Smith
87’ - Mexico continue to probe in search of another. Mora briefly thinks he may have a sight of goal but is crowded out by a cluster of the remaining yellow shirts.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:53 , Alan Smith
85’ - Watching that incident back there is an obvious hand in Alvarado’s face but it is tame enough. More importantly for the millions watching around the world is how awful the whole thing was communicated.
No one had an idea that a VAR check was taking place until the referee signalled he was heading to his monitor. Then there was a spell where no one was sure what had happened. Finally, a replay was shown and it became clear but it must have taken 90 seconds.
RED CARD - South Africa down to nine men! Mexico 2-0 South Africa (Zwane, 84')
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:50 , Alan Smith
83’ - Finally, we get to see what. Just before that Appollis shot, Alvarado is slapped off the ball by Zwane. It is needless and foolish from the oldest South Africa player.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:48 , Alan Smith
82’ - There is a VAR check - and we have no idea for what.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:47 , Alan Smith
80’ - Appollis, on a couple of minutes, trickles a harmless low shot straight into the hands of Rangel.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:45 , Alan Smith
79’ - Another Mexico change, their fifth and final.
Quinones, the opening goalscorer, is replaced by Vega.
Feeling old?
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:43 , Alan Smith
1 - Mexico's Gilberto Mora is the first player born after the 2006 FIFA World Cup final to appear in a World Cup match.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 11, 2026
History. pic.twitter.com/COrD5x1v0N
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:43 , Alan Smith
77’ - Changes for both teams.
Alvarez is on for his 100th Mexico cap, replacing Lira. Gonzalez is also on for Jimenez, who departs to a huge ovation.
For South Africa, Appollis and Makgopa replace Modiba and Rayners.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:41 , Alan Smith
74’ - Sibisi is booked for a late challenge on Quinone near halfway, treading on the Mexican’s toe before using his right arm to shove him.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:40 , Alan Smith
73’ - Jimenez is played in by Alvarado but Sibisi makes his way across to intercept strongly. There is a brief shout for a penalty but it is a really good, fair challenge and play continues.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:38 , Alan Smith
71’ - The match restarts with South Africa kicking off again. There’s plenty of this match left to go but already time for the home fans to start celebrating early - which, yes, means they are doing their wave.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:35 , Alan Smith
And now it’s time for another hydration break, an opportunity for Jimenez to gather himself.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:35 , Alan Smith
68’ - It’s such a Jimenez goal too - a cushioned header at the back post after a cross from the right by Alvarado.
Quinones makes a delightful move during the build-up too and the volume has ramped back up in the Azteca again.
Jimenez appears to be in tears as he celebrates. Just imagine the sense of relief.
GOAL! Mexico 2-0 South Africa (Jimenez, 67)
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:34 , Alan Smith
At last he has done it. His first goal at a World Cup, aged 35 and in his fourth tournament.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:32 , Alan Smith
66’ - A double Mexico change. Gutierrez and Fidalgo are off and that means Chavez and the teen sensation Mora are on for the final 25 minutes.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:30 , Alan Smith
63’ - Impossible to detect with complete accuracy on TV but the atmosphere seems to have quietened a lot too.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:29 , Alan Smith
61’ - A second South Africa change as Zwane comes on for Adams and immediately runs towards the right wing.
But he may not get too many touches right away. Mexico are pinging it about as if they do not have a care in the world.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:27 , Alan Smith
58’ - The pace of the match has really dropped off now. Mexico are so comfortable they may not be able to believe their luck. A second would be nice for them but they have also not faced any threat.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:25 , Alan Smith
56’ - South Africa make a change. Foster is off, Mbatha is on. It’s difficult to think of what they can do from here.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:19 , Alan Smith
53’ - Gutierrez, who has been tidy, wins another corner for Mexico. Alvarado takes it but South Africa clear.
Red card! Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:30 , Mike Jones
50’ - A nightmare for South Africa as they go down to 10-men for denying a goal scoring opportunity.
Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole is the unfortunate soul caught by Brian Gutierrez making a darting run in behind the South African back line.
The defender back tracks as Gutierrez cuts across him and is caught on the edge of the box.
The Mexican attacker goes to ground and Sithole, as the last defender, is shown a straight red card - the first of the tournament.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:16 , Alan Smith
50’ - Jimenez’s effort is blocked by the wall. The ball is worked out to Gallardo and he shoots wide. That, you would suspect, is the end of this match as a contest.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:14 , Alan Smith
48’ - Quinones, who has been really fun to watch beyond his goal, thinks he sees Williams off his line and decides to take a pop from about 45 yards. It is on target. It is easily saved.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:13 , Alan Smith
47’ - What was Williams thinking? Has he not learnt from his team’s earlier mistake?
Restarted! Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:13 , Alan Smith
46’ - South Africa get us going again and immediately work it back to Williams, who makes another poor pass that sends his team into trouble, gifting the ball to Fidalgo. He dribbles forward but fails to get a shot off when he should really be making it 2-0.
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:11 , Alan Smith
The teams are on their way back on to the pitch. Can South Africa come up with something meatier in this second period?
USA flag jeered at Azteca
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:03 , Alan Smith
The United States flag appeared to be met with loud boos and jeers before the opening game of the World Cup in Mexico City.
Ahead of the big kick-off between Mexico and South Africa, the flags of all 48 teams participating in this summer’s tournament were paraded onto the pitch.
The final three flags to take to the pitch were those of the three North American co-hosts, the United States, Canada and Mexico.
USA flag booed before World Cup 2026 opening game in Mexico City
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:02 , Alan Smith
At least we haven’t heard Freed From Desire yet.
Half-time! Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:55 , Alan Smith
The co-hosts deserve their lead at the break. It has been a fun watch, if not of the highest quality, with South Africa emerging a little from their shells after such an awful start as the half progressed.
Mexico have been a cut above in general but this result is not assured just yet.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:52 , Alan Smith
47’ - Gallardo has a pop from range. It’s blocked and trickles through to the keeper.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:51 , Alan Smith
45’ - There will be four minutes of added time.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:50 , Alan Smith
44’ - South Africa have a corner because Mudau’s delivery comes off Gallardo. It is taken short and Mbokazi eventually sends a rasper from not far off 40 yards straight ant Rangel. It’s a shot on target.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:49 , Alan Smith
43’ - Close from Jimenez. He looks a head offside when receiving a lofted through ball but the flag stays down and prods goalwards. Williams saves again.
Then from the next phase of play Mexico string some neat passes together before Quinones side-foots along the grass - but his attempt to find the bottom corner is just off as the shot comes back off the post.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:46 , Alan Smith
40’ - Sithole clatters into Lira. It’s another that could have been worthy of a yellow card but a free kick is all that is given. Lira, knowing he would need to take a minute on the sidelines according to the new rules, decides against having the physio check him over.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:43 , Alan Smith
38’ - South Africa have an attempt as Foster rises to meet a cross from the left and heads harmlessly wide. It’s not much but it is better than nothing.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:41 , Alan Smith
36’ Quinones gets in down the inside left and tries to square a low cross. It is smothered by Williams.
History made
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:41 , Alan Smith
1 - Mexico's Julián Quiñones is the first player from a CONCACAF nation to score the opening goal at a FIFA World Cup tournament.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 11, 2026
Historic. https://t.co/SLPkWQaBGr pic.twitter.com/O1KpjLZs99
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:40 , Alan Smith
33’ - Modiba receives the ball down the left and sends in a cross that appears to win a corner - until he is, correctly, flagged for offside. Since the hydration break Mexico have looked a little less intense, which has allowed South Africa to get a bit more involved. Can they turn it into a meaningful attempt on goal? That’s the next challenge.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:37 , Alan Smith
32’ - A slightly better spell of possession from South Africa now, although they are going nowhere but backwards and sideways.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:36 , Alan Smith
30’ - Gutierrez shimmies in from the left and has a pop. It’s blocked when Jimenez may have been open. But Mexico are in such control here that such minor misjudgments are unlikely to bother them too much.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:33 , Alan Smith
28’ - And we’re back underway. Will that pause allow Souh Africa to reset and, they hope, grow into the match a bit more.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:33 , Alan Smith
26’ - It’s 23c at the Azteca, by the way.
Hydration break: Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:31 , Alan Smith
Time for the three-minute drink break, which gives us a chance to watch the opening goal again.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:30 , Alan Smith
23’ - Gutierrez is the first Mexican into the book for a late slide on Rayners. South Africa have their first set piece in a threatening area, wide on the right. Six players are in the box, two more on the edge. But Mokoena’s delivery is easily cleared.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:27 , Alan Smith
21’ - Another meaty challenge from South Africa. Mudau clatters Quinones and is lucky to escape without a booking.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:26 , Alan Smith
19’ - Quinones is in the mood for some more. He drops into a pocket about 30 yards out and, with space in front of him, hits a rasping shot that is not too far away at all.
Mexico are confident, urged on by their struggling visitors.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:23 , Alan Smith
17’ - Mokoena fould Fidalgo again, flying in with his left boot, and that means the first yellow card of the tournament.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:22 , Alan Smith
16’ - Mokoena fouls Fidalgo in midfield. South Africa always looked up against it in this group and it does get marginally easier after this but they are yet to put together a convincing spell.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:19 , Alan Smith
13’ - Jimenez harries his way into winning a corner. It is taken towards the Wolves striker but his header is not clean and Williams gathers.
TV screens show Infantino in the posh seats. Large chunks of the stadium boo. In case the Fifa president was wondering about his popularity among host fans.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:19 , Alan Smith
13’ - Jimenez harries his way into winning a corner. It is taken towards the Wolves striker but his header is not clean and Williams gathers.
TV screens show Infantino in the posh seats. Large chunks of the stadium boo. In case the Fifa president was wondering about his popularity among host fans.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:18 , Alan Smith
12’ - Does this bring South Africa forward a bit more? Maybe but that could suit Mexico even more. It’s really such a cheap way to give up a clean sheet and Hugo Broos, their veteran coach, must be furious.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:17 , Alan Smith
9’ - It’s a terrible goal for South Africa to give away. Williams passes to Sithole about 25 yards from goal and facing his goalkeeper but he is immediately bullied off the ball by Lira after a poor first touch, it’s swiftly worked to Quinones and he takes a steadying touch before firing across Williams and into the bottom right corner.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
