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.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…

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

Follow live from the opening day of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City.

All eyes are on Mexico and the Estadio Azteca as the 2026 World Cup kicks off Thursday with El Tri taking on South Africa's Bafana Bafana in the Group A opener. Follow the match,…

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

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 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.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the opening ceremony followed by the hosts, Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening game.…

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico City as host nation Mexico hosts South Africa for the first match of the tournament. Follow all the action.

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.

The 2026 World Cup officially kicks off with co-host Mexico securing an early advantage over South Africa. Get details on the opening game, controversies,

With a capacity crowd of 80,824 watching at the iconic Azteca Stadium, co-host Mexico started the largest World Cup tournament in history by getting goals in each half while three…

Mexico made a commanding statement in the 2026 World Cup's opening match, defeating South Africa 2-0 at its Azteca Stadium. Two red cards in the second half left the Bafana Bafana…

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