Co-hosts Mexico have taken an early 1-0 lead against South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Julián Quiñones finding the back of the net in the 9th minute at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Mexico has about 60 percent possession, which will work in their favour if they continue this dominance.
The goal sparked celebrations among the more than 80,000 fans packed into the historic stadium as Mexico look to make a winning start on home soil.
South Africa's Yaya Sithole was shown a red card in the 49th minute.
The match marks the beginning of the biggest FIFA World Cup ever staged, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across 39 days in the three host nations – Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Sixteen years after drawing 1-1 in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, Mexico and South Africa have once again been given the honour of kicking off football’s biggest tournament.
Mexico entered the tournament ranked 14th in the world and in strong form, while South Africa, ranked 60th, are hoping to mount a comeback and avoid defeat in their first World Cup appearance since 2010.
Meanwhile, South Korea will face the Czech Republic in the second match of the day at 2pm.
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