Talksport presenter Simon Jordan examines the commencement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, highlighting the tournament’s substantial global impact and its rising prominence in the United States. Jordan points out that soccer has become the third most popular sport in America, overtaking baseball and hockey.
Despite the challenges faced in previous World Cups, Jordan expresses optimism about the event, which is set to break records with an anticipated 6.5 million tickets sold.
The first match of the 104-game tournament featured Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 in Mexico City. The Estadio Azteca hosted the opening ceremonies. Mexico dominated early, scoring in the ninth minute after two early corner kicks.
Raul Jimenez celebrates with teammates after scoring Mexico’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match against South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026. (Hector Vivas/FIFA via Getty Images)
Highlights from the game include a critical moment when South Africa’s goalie missed a pass, allowing Erik Lira to intercept it. Julián Quiñones seized the opportunity, driving the ball into the net to the crowd’s delight.
South Africa’s chance for a comeback suffered a blow when Yaya Sithole received a red card in the 50th minute for a foul on Brian Gutiérrez. Playing a man down, South Africa faced an uphill battle.
The decisive goal came in the 67th minute, with Raúl Jiménez scoring from a Roberto Alvarado cross. This marked Jiménez’s first World Cup goal in his fourth tournament participation.
Disciplinary actions saw more red cards: Themba Zwane received one in the 84th minute, and Mexico’s César Montes in the 92nd minute. These players will miss their next respective games against Czechia and Korea.
Historically, Mexico has had success when scoring first in World Cup matches, winning 15 of 23 such games. They have drawn five and lost three.
The Estadio Azteca, renamed Mexico City Stadium for the event, hosted the opening with representatives from all 48 competing countries. FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended with the World Cup Trophy. Fans celebrated as Julian Quiñones scored the first goal in the match against South Africa.
Mexico is aiming to improve following its performance in Qatar, where it did not advance past the group stage for the first time since 1978. This was aside from its absence in 1990 and its failure to qualify in 1982. The team had historically reached the knockout stages in nine consecutive World Cups they participated in.
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