South Korea rallies past Czech Republic, Mexico beats South Africa in World Cup 2026 Group A openers

The 2026 World Cup kicked off in Mexico with dramatic results in Group A. South Korea overturned a deficit to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in Zapopan, while the host nation Mexico eased to a 2-0 win over a depleted South Africa side at the Estadio Azteca.

South Korea's comeback in Zapopan

Playing at the Estadio Akron at nearly 1,700 metres of altitude, South Korea fell behind in the 59th minute when Czech captain Ladislav Krejci headed in a long throw from Vladimir Coufal. The Asian side responded immediately. Hwang In-beom, the Feyenoord midfielder, collected a pass from Lee Kang-in, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home to level at 1-1 after 67 minutes. Thirteen minutes later Hwang turned provider, crossing for substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu to sweep in the winner. South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu preserved the three points with a stoppage-time save from Michal Sadilek. The victory was South Korea's first in a World Cup opener since 2010 and matched host Mexico's tally in the standings.

Mexico's winning start amid three red cards

At a sold-out Estadio Azteca, Mexico took control early. Julián Quiñones capitalised on a mistake by Yaya Sithole to score in the ninth minute. The match unravelled for South Africa in the second half: Sithole was sent off for bringing down Brian Gutiérrez, allowing Raúl Jiménez to double the lead. Themba Zwane then received a straight red card after a VAR review for violent conduct, and Mexico captain César Montes was also dismissed late on. Jiménez, who suffered a life-threatening head injury nearly four years ago and lost his father a few months before the tournament, marked his first World Cup finals goal at age 35 with tears of joy.

This goal means everything to me. I waited a long time for this moment, and to do it in front of our fans, in a finals phase, is indescribable.

Coaches react to opening fortunes

South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo defended captain Son Heung-min, who missed several clear chances before being substituted. “Son is our best player and an extremely stable captain. We believe he did everything within his reach,” Hong said. He stressed the unity message given before the match: not to give up until the end and to act as one team.

Before the match I gave two messages: don’t give up until the end and unite as a single team.

Czech manager Miroslav Koubek acknowledged his side’s shortcomings. “We made some mistakes, but we also created chances. Our opponent was very fast. The best team won,” he said, adding that his team must be more offensive and creative in the final 30 metres. The loss ended a six-game unbeaten run for the Czechs, who returned to the World Cup after a 20-year absence.

Looking ahead in Group A

Both South Korea and Mexico sit on three points, setting up a high-stakes meeting between the two on 18 June. The Czech Republic will also face South Africa on the same day, with both sides needing a result to stay in contention for the knockout stage.