Mexico 2-0 South Africa as World Cup Opens

Mexico opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at Estadio Banorte, giving coach Javier Aguirre a flawless start. The win puts the co‑hosts in a strong position on opening night. Julian Quinones, an Al‑Qadsiah forward, opened the scoring after Mexico’s high press forced a turnover outside the South African box. Raul Jimenez later headed home a cross from Roberto Alvarado to seal the win. South Africa midfielder Yaya Sithole received a straight red card early in the second half for a foul on Brian Gutierrez. Mexico’s Cesar Montes was suspended after a booking in added time. Canada will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto’s BMO Field, with coach Jesse Marsch hoping to deliver the nation’s first World Cup win. Canada have recorded 18 victories in 28 matches at the venue and sit on an eight‑game unbeaten run. The United States face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, where Mauricio Pochettino’s side have won three recent encounters, including a 2-1 friendly in November 2025 and a 3-0 World Cup win in 1930. SoFi Stadium has already produced two 2026 losses by a single goal for the United States. Qatar travel to Levi’s Stadium to clash with Switzerland. Julen Lopetegui’s side entered the tournament on a six‑game winless streak, while Murat Yakin’s Switzerland arrive as favorites after only one defeat in their last 13 internationals.