The 2026 World Cup, hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, began with a highly important victory for Mexico over South Africa, 2-0, and South Korea over Czechia, 2-1, immediately establishing their leadership in Group A.
Mexico and South Korea secured their first 3 points in Group A to stand as group leaders, and it can be said they have almost one foot in the round of 32. Here is the table following the first matchday:
| Pos./Team | Points | GP / GD |
| 1. Mexico | 3 | 1 (+2) |
| 2. South Korea | 3 | 1 (+1) |
| 3. Czechia | 0 | 1 (-1) |
| 4. South Africa | 0 | 1 (-2) |
Dominant victory for Mexico
Mexico began the World Cup eager to be one of the top candidates, especially with the power they would have playing at home as hosts and with their people, adding to that start at the historic Azteca Stadium, which had already seen Diego Maradona and Pele as champions.
Julian Quiñones of Mexico
On this occasion, it was time to witness the great confidence of Julian Quinones, who became the first goalscorer of this edition of the competition with a goal that stems from a recovery and a great placed shot in the 9th minute of the match.
Mexico dominated the match as a result of that, without receiving almost any dangerous plays from South Africa, who were unable to create a good attacking play. In addition, it is worth noting that they had their players Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane sent off in the 49th and 84th minutes. And Raul Jimenez sealed the victory in the 67th minute with an amazing header.
Crucial victory for South Korea
South Korea secured the ideal start against what could be their direct rivals within the group, after achieving that victory against Czechia, even though they began trailing in the 59th minute with a goal by Krejic, but they knew how to complete the comeback following a goal in the 67th minute by Hwang In-Beam and another by Hyeon-gyu in the 80th minute, right after Czechia had a goal disallowed.
