Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleCo-hosts Mexico defeated nine-man South Africa in the World Cup 2026 opening game, which saw three red cards issued, the most in a single World Cup game since 2006.South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, along with Mexico captain Cesar Montes, were sent off in the chaotic match. Raul Jimenez scored Mexico's second goal, marking an emotional return six years after suffering a life-threatening fractured skull. The tournament's star-studded opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca featured performances by music icons Shakira and Burna Boy. In the second Group A match, South Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1. In fullWorld Cup 2026 live: South Korea beat Czechia after dramatic turnaround in Group A clashThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe 2026 World Cup kicks off this week with…

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe 2026 World Cup gets underway in Mexico…

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All our updates, including opening ceremony coverage and post-match reaction following our text commentary stream.

Follow our live build-up, with full opening ceremony and team news coverage, ahead of our text commentary stream.

Follow our live build-up, with full opening ceremony and team news coverage, ahead of our text commentary stream.

Follow our live build-up, with full opening ceremony and team news coverage, ahead of our text commentary stream.

Follow the latest news from the World Cup 2026 as opening ceremonies unfold in Mexico City and gameplay begins with Mexico vs. South Africa and South Korea vs. Czechia.

Follow CNN Sports’ live coverage of the World Cup’s opening day as Mexico and South Africa take to the pitch in this global festival of soccer.

Three red cards, two goals and tons of drama headlined the co-hosts’ tournament-opening victory in Mexico City. Follow all the reaction.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWorld Cup 2026 has finally arrived with the…

Follow LIVE updates on the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa.

Follow LIVE updates on the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa.

Co-hosts begin tournament on winning note to get 2026 finals party started in front of 80,824 largely ecstatic fans.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a match that…

Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup opener, marked by three red cards. Read the match details here.

Mexico kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup in emphatic fashion, defeating South Africa 2-0 before a packed Estadio Azteca on Thursday.

Mexico kicked off the World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa, showcasing strong performance and dramatic moments.