Fiery Start to World Cup 2026: Mexico Wins Match with Three Red Cards, While South Korea Edges Czechia
Sport
The long-awaited 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring an expanded format of 48 national teams for the first time in history, has officially kicked off with thrilling encounters and fierce battles in Group A. The opening match at the legendary Azteca Stadium saw tournament co-hosts Mexico secure a confident 2:0 victory over South Africa. Mexico's Julián Quiñones scored the historic first goal of the tournament in just the 9th minute, while Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead in the 67th minute. The clash proved highly volatile, with the referee issuing three red cards: sending off South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, as well as Mexico's César Montes during stoppage time.
Simultaneously in Guadalajara, the second fixture of the quartet took place, where South Korea staged a comeback to defeat Czechia 2:1. The Czechs opened the scoring in the 59th minute through Ladislav Krejčí, but the Asian side managed to turn the tide as Hwang In-beom equalized in the 67th minute and Oh Hyeon-gyu netted the match-winner in the 80th minute. Following the conclusion of the first round, Mexico leads the Group A standings on goal difference, level on points with South Korea. The massive football marathon across the United States, Canada, and Mexico will run until July 19.
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