By Emmanuel Olagunju
Hosts Nation, Mexico opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa, while South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1.
South Africa was reduced to nine during the encounter.Julio Quiñones gave the hosts an early lead in the ninth minute before veteran striker Raúl Jiménez doubled Mexico’s advantage in the 67th minute.
South Africa’s hopes of a comeback were damaged when Yusuf Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute.
The disciplinary issues worsened late in the game as Themba Zwane received a second red card for South Africa in the 84th minute, reducing Bafana Bafana to nine men.
Mexico defender, César Montes was also dismissed in stoppage time, bringing the total number of red cards in the match to three a remarkable statistic for a World Cup opening fixture.
Meanwhile , South Korea produced a second-half turnaround to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1.
After a goalless first half, the Czech Republic broke the deadlock in the 59th minute through Ladislav Krejčí. However, South Korea responded strongly, with Hwang In-beom equalising in the 67th minute before Oh Hyeon-gyu completed the comeback in the 80th minute with the winning goal.
The result handed South Korea a valuable three points and showcased their resilience after falling behind, while the Czech Republic were left to rue missed opportunitie.
