2026 FIFA World Cup Opens: Mexico Stuns South Africa With Early Goal in Azteca

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway. Co-hosts Mexico grabbed an early 1-0 lead against South Africa in Thursday night’s opener at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, kicking off the biggest World Cup in history.

Quiñones Strikes in 9th Minute

Julián Quiñones broke the deadlock in the 9th minute. Érik Lira pressed the South African defense, forced a mistake, and laid it off for Quiñones to finish. The 85,000 crowd at Azteca exploded. Mexico kept the pressure up for the rest of the first half.

The 2026 edition is the first with 48 teams and runs across USA, Mexico & Canada until the final in New Jersey on July 19. FIFA projects $13 billion in total revenue from the expanded format.

Shakira & Burna Boy Open the Show

Before kickoff, Shakira and Nigeria’s Burna Boy lit up Azteca with “Dai Dai”, the official tournament song. The performance set the tone for a tournament FIFA hopes will connect cultures.

Ticket Prices + Visa Drama

The opener comes after heavy criticism over ticket costs. Some seats hit $30,000, though FIFA’s Gianni Infantino defended pricing: “Our $60 entry ticket is the lowest of any American sport in playoff phases. Our $500 average is also the lowest.”

Controversy also hit team officials. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied US entry over visa issues, though UEFA later named him for the European Super Cup. “Football is made to connect people,” UEFA’s Aleksander Ceferin said.

Infantino also addressed Iran’s participation amid US-Iran tensions: “People said Iran couldn’t come. We worked on everything.” He credited Donald Trump’s involvement: “Without his engagement, organizing a World Cup in the US would be impossible.” Trump confirmed he’ll attend some matches.

South Africa Faces Azteca Noise

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos warned his players: “85,000 Mexicans will be shouting. We must focus on our game.” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre, in his 3rd stint, wants to end Mexico’s streak of no opening-game wins in 7 tries: “We have to break the statistic.”

Outside Azteca, protesters marched near the stadium over missing persons cases. Police set a 1.6km security zone and restricted access to ticket holders only.

What’s Next

South Korea vs Czech Republic follows later in Guadalajara. Spain, France, England lead betting odds, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina chases back-to-back titles.

For live scores and fixtures, check our 2026 World Cup fixtures page.