2026 World Cup Opens With Mexico's 2-0 Win as Korea Republic Rallies 2-1
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 12
2026 World Cup Opens With Mexico's 2-0 Win as Korea Republic Rallies 2-1
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 12
Summary
Mexico launched the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa at Estadio Azteca, while Korea Republic came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1 in Guadalajara.
Three red cards marred the opener—joint-second most in World Cup history—as Julián Quiñones and 35-year-old Raúl Jiménez scored, giving Mexico their first multi-goal World Cup win since 2014.
Korea Republic overturned Ladislav Krejčí's opener through Hwang In-Beom and substitute Oh Hyeon-Gyu, sealing their fourth comeback win at a World Cup.
The results extended notable trends: Mexico are unbeaten in their last 8 World Cup openers, and Korea Republic have now won 3 straight World Cup matches against European opponents.