Mexico opened the tournament with a 2‑0 win over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, a match punctuated by three red cards and a decisive VAR intervention that sparked debate. Host nation striker Raul Jimenez celebrated his first World Cup goal at 35 in front of a roaring crowd, while midfielder Yaya Sithole endured a disastrous debut that saw him limped off early.

In Guadalajara, South Korea rescued a point by overturning a deficit to beat the Czech Republic, sparking jubilant chants from their fans. Hwang In‑Beom and Lee Kang‑In impressed with dynamic wing play, while Mexico’s Julian Quinones earned player‑of‑the‑match honors, reigniting debate on back‑line distribution. Former pros Gary Neville and Roy Keane sparred over goalkeeper versus defender responsibilities after a nine‑minute mishap that highlighted South Korea’s tactical shift.

Amid security checks, inflated tickets and diplomatic friction, the tournament’s spectacle remains unblemished; football simply takes centre‑stage despite the political backdrop. With twelve groups and 102 matches ahead, early victories give Mexico and South Korea momentum and remind fans across continents why the World Cup endures. The Azteca’s historic aura, echoing Pele and Maradona, guarantees the opening act will be remembered.