Day 1 Results — June 11, 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off in spectacular fashion on June 11, with Mexico delivering a dominant 2-0 victory over South Africa at a historic Estadio Azteca, while South Korea staged a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Czechia 2-1 in Guadalajara — both teams taking early command of Group A.
Group A — Match 1: Mexico 2–0 South Africa
Mexico wasted no time writing history. Just nine minutes into the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the first ever held across three nations — Julián Quiñones latched onto a misplaced South African pass intercepted by Erik Lira and coolly slotted past the keeper. It was the first World Cup goal scored by a CONCACAF nation in an opening match of the tournament, and it sent the 87,500 fans packed into Estadio Azteca into euphoria.
The hosts controlled possession throughout the first half, limiting South Africa to few genuine chances. After the break, Raúl Jiménez put the match beyond doubt in the 67th minute, heading home a pinpoint cross from Roberto Alvarado to make it 2-0. The veteran striker's goal was met with deafening cheers from the pro-Mexican crowd — a moment that will live long in the memory of a nation that has waited decades to see the World Cup come home.
The contest was marred by a remarkable three red cards across both teams — a historic first for any World Cup opening match — but it could not overshadow El Tri's controlled, confident performance. This was also the first time in history that Estadio Azteca hosted a match at three different men's World Cups (1970, 1986 and 2026), cementing its status as the most iconic venue in football history.
Group A — Match 2: South Korea 2–1 Czechia
The second Group A fixture in Guadalajara proved to be an enthralling contest. Czechia broke the deadlock in the 59th minute through Ladislav Krejcí, who rose brilliantly to head home after a long throw-in into the penalty area — giving the Czechs a lead that looked likely to hold.
But South Korea, roared on by their passionate travelling support, refused to surrender. Hwang In-beom was the catalyst: with a brilliant dummy and drag-back to beat two Czech defenders, he equalised in the 67th minute. The momentum was now firmly with the Taeguk Warriors. Thirteen minutes later, Hwang turned provider — delivering a precise cross from the right flank that Oh Hyeon-gyu met with authority to score the winner in the 80th minute. A stunning comeback win that announced South Korea as a genuine force in Group A.
Group A Standings After Matchday 1
| Team | PJ | G | E | P | GF | GC | DIF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| South Korea | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 3 |
| Czechia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| South Africa | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
What It Means — Tournament Context
Both Group A openers went to the pre-match favourites, but the manner of the results reveals important storylines for the weeks ahead. Mexico's clean sheet and clinical finishing suggest that Jaime Lozano's side have arrived in peak form — the home crowd advantage across three host venues (Azteca, Akron, BBVA) could prove crucial in their quest to finally escape the Round of 16 curse they have faced in every World Cup since 1986.
For South Korea, the comeback against Czechia is a statement of character. Hwang In-beom was the standout performer of Day 1 across both matches, and if Son Heung-min — who was rested from the starting XI — can add his brilliance as the tournament progresses, the Taeguk Warriors could become one of the stories of the Group Stage.
Czechia and South Africa now face must-improve situations. Czechia must find a way past their set-piece vulnerability, while South Africa's attacking play was limited throughout against the hosts. Both sides will need wins in their next fixtures to remain in contention for qualification to the Round of 32.
For a deeper preview of what awaits all four teams, see our Group A preview and predictions. You can also track all ongoing results on our Live Scores & Results page.
Today's Upcoming Matches — June 12, 2026
Day 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 features two Group Stage matches:
- Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina — Group B · 3:00 PM ET (19:00 UTC) · BMO Field, Toronto
- USA vs Paraguay — Group D · 9:00 PM ET (01:00 UTC Jun 13) · SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Both matches promise to be compelling. Canada face their first ever home World Cup match in Toronto, while the USA open their Group D campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in a game that the host nation will be expected to win. A home opening-day victory for the USMNT would lift the partisan MetLife-bound crowd to new heights heading into the tournament's second week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the 9th minute — the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and Raúl Jiménez added a header in the 67th minute to complete Mexico's 2-0 victory at Estadio Azteca.
Ladislav Krejcí gave Czechia the lead in the 59th minute. South Korea equalised through Hwang In-beom (67') and completed the comeback with Oh Hyeon-gyu's winner in the 80th minute. Final score: South Korea 2-1 Czechia.
Both Mexico and South Korea sit level on 3 points at the top of Group A, with Mexico leading on goal difference (+2 vs +1). Czechia and South Africa both have 0 points after their first matches.
Three records were set: it was the first World Cup opening match ever to feature three red cards; Julián Quiñones became the first CONCACAF player to score the opening goal of a World Cup; and Estadio Azteca became the first stadium to host matches at three different men's World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026).
Day 2 features Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (Group B, 19:00 UTC, BMO Field Toronto) and USA vs Paraguay (Group D, 01:00 UTC Jun 13, SoFi Stadium Inglewood, California).