2026 FIFA World Cup: Hosts Mexico down South Africa 2-0 after a glittering opening ceremony
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially opened on Thursday with a glittering ceremony at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, setting the stage for the tournament's first match between hosts Mexico and South Africa.
The celebration began at 11:30 a.m. local time, roughly 90 minutes before kickoff.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the festivities as a unique opportunity to unite soccer, music and culture.
The celebration highlighted Mexican culture, music and traditions while introducing fans to the largest World Cup ever staged.
After the ceremony, hosts Mexico took on South Africa in front of 80,000 fans and started their campaign on a winning note, beating visitors 2-0.
Julián Quiñones opened the score for the home team in the ninth minute, drilling a low shot into the net. Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez then joined the party with the second goal.
The match saw three red cards, two for South Africa and one for Mexico, the most ever shown in a World Cup opening match.
⚽️ FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony@presstvsports pic.twitter.com/CLbzBDQfNR
— Press TV Sports (@presstvsports) June 11, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the first edition of the tournament to be hosted by three countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada.
The expanded format features 48 teams, up from 32 in previous editions, making it the biggest World Cup in history.
Estadio Azteca holds special significance for the tournament. Mexico City's iconic stadium becomes the first venue to host matches at three separate World Cups, having previously staged the finals in 1970 and 1986.
The historic venue will host five matches during this year's tournament, in addition to the opening ceremony.
Brazilian legend Pelé once said there is something special about the Azteca, and that fans need to be inside it to truly understand its atmosphere.
That sense of history added weight to Thursday's proceedings, as a new generation of players prepared to test themselves on the same turf where football legends once played.
⚽🏆 Aerial view of Azteca Stadium, the venue for tonight’s inaugural match of FIFA World Cup 2026 between Mexico and South Africa.@presstvsports pic.twitter.com/miH6BlDj9A
— Press TV Sports (@presstvsports) June 11, 2026
Following the conclusion of the opening ceremony, attention shifted to the pitch as Mexico and South Africa took on each other in the opening Group A fixture.
Later on Thursday, South Korea takes on Czechia, while Canada also launches its World Cup campaign on home soil.
The tournament will be played across stadiums in Mexico, the United States, and Canada in the coming weeks, marking the first time in World Cup history that three countries have jointly hosted the world's biggest football competition.
This World Cup, however, has been overshadowed by controversies over mismanagement by the US hosts, including the denial of visas to many players, coaches, referees, and fans, particularly from Asian and African countries.
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