By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
MEXICO CITY — Mexico and South Korea opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns with victories after overcoming South Africa and the Czech Republic respectively in Group A matches.
The Co-hosts Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca to secure the first win of the tournament. Julián Quiñones gave the hosts an early lead in the ninth minute before veteran striker Raúl Jiménez added a second-half goal to seal all three points.
The encounter was marked by disciplinary issues, with South Africa ending the match with nine men following two red cards, while Mexican defender César Montes was also sent off in stoppage time.
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In the other Group A fixture, South Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in Guadalajara. Czech captain Ladislav Krejci broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, but Hwang In-beom equalised eight minutes later before setting up substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu for the winning goal in the 80th minute.
Led by captain Son Heung-min, the Koreans controlled much of the game and claimed their first opening-match victory at the World Cup since 2010.
The results placed Mexico and South Korea on three points each at the top of Group A, while South Africa and the Czech Republic began their campaigns without a point.
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The Merit Newspaper acknowledges that Mexico and South Korea are now set for a crucial clash in their next group match, with South Africa and the Czech Republic seeking to revive their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.
