World Cup North America opens, Mexico beat South Africa 2-0

2026-06-12

The World Cup North America tournament opened in Mexico City on the 11th, early on the 12th in Japan time. Hosts Mexico in Group A beat South Africa 2-0 for a strong start. South Korea in the same group also came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 and earn three points.

Mexico take control

Host Mexico took control from the outset. In the ninth minute, Quinones fired home a ball won through high pressing, scoring the opener. In the 67th minute, R. Jimenez headed in a cross from the right to add a second. South Africa were reduced to 10 men shortly after the start of the second half, and another player was sent off late on. Outnumbered, they could not mount a comeback.

South Korea rally in the second half

South Korea scored twice in the second half to come from behind against the Czech Republic. The Czechs went ahead in the 59th minute when defender Krejci headed in from a long throw, but South Korea levelled in the 67th through midfielder Hwang In-beom. Then in the 80th minute, forward Oh Hyeon-gyu reacted quickest to a ball pulled back from the right to put South Korea ahead.

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