The FIFA World Cup 2026 has kicked off with a bang, and Group A delivered thrilling action on the opening day. Co-hosts Mexico and Asian powerhouse South Korea both secured victories in their first group-stage matches, earning three points each and taking control of the group standings.
Mexico Dominates South Africa
Mexico thrilled their home fans with a commanding 2-0 win over South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The hosts took an early lead through Julian Quiñones in the ninth minute and controlled much of the game. Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez sealed the victory with a well-taken goal in the 67th minute, sparking celebrations among the more than 80,000 spectators. Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio made history by showing three red cards in the second half, a World Cup record.
South Korea Stages Comeback
The second Group A match saw South Korea rally from a goal down to defeat Czechia 2-1 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. Czechia struck first through Ladislav Krejčí in the 59th minute, but South Korea responded swiftly. Hwang In-beom equalized in the 67th minute, and substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu completed the comeback with a winner in the 80th minute.
Group A Standings
Mexico tops Group A with a +2 goal difference, followed by South Korea at +1, both on three points. Czechia and South Africa are at the bottom with zero points each. Next up on Matchday 2, co-hosts Canada and the USA begin their campaigns. Canada faces Bosnia-Herzegovina, while the USA takes on Paraguay, who return to the World Cup after 16 years.
Full Points Table
Group A
- Mexico: 1 match, 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses, 2 goals for, 0 against, +2 GD, 3 points
- South Korea: 1 match, 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses, 2 goals for, 1 against, +1 GD, 3 points
- Czechia: 1 match, 0 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss, 1 goal for, 2 against, -1 GD, 0 points
- South Africa: 1 match, 0 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss, 0 goals for, 2 against, -2 GD, 0 points
Group B
- Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland: All 0 points
Group C
- Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland: All 0 points
Group D
- United States, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye: All 0 points
Group E
- Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador: All 0 points
Group F
- Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia: All 0 points
Group G
- Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand: All 0 points
Group H
- Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay: All 0 points
Group I
- France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway: All 0 points
Group J
- Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan: All 0 points
Group K
- Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia: All 0 points
Group L
- England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama: All 0 points
Stay tuned for more updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
