Mexico beat South Africa 2–0 in World Cup opener
Mexico open World Cup with a win
Your team did exactly what a host nation is supposed to do. Mexico beat South Africa 2–0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, with Raúl Jiménez leading the way. The result keeps intact the tradition of host nations never losing their debut match at the tournament (1) (4). Two goals, a clean sheet, and three points, the perfect start.
USA fire a warning with four-goal rout
The United States made a statement Friday. They crushed Paraguay 4–1 in their group stage opener, scoring more goals in one match than they managed across the entire 2022 World Cup (5). American media are calling it Premier League-level football (2). With both hosts winning, the pressure stays on Mexico to match that intensity.
Canada also avoid defeat
Canada became the third host nation to go unbeaten in their opener, drawing 1–1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday (1). Three host nations, zero opening defeats, the group stage is already delivering for the home crowds.
Sources
- 1. ge.globo.com — Canadá, Estados Unidos e México mantêm tradição de anfitriões em estreias de Copa
- 2. vi.nl — Rondje WK: 'Spel VS leek op Premier League-voetbal'
- 4. telegraaf.nl — LIVE WK 2026 | Verenigde Staten boeken eenvoudige zege op Paraguay
- 5. vi.nl — VS heeft na één duel al meer goals gemaakt dan op volledige WK 2022