Image credit : FIFA

FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match ended in favour of the defending champion, Mexico having scored 2 against South Africa nil.

Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament and veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second as the co-hosts’ bid for qualification from Group A got off to smooth start.

South Africa meanwhile never looked like spoiling the opening day fiesta, and finished with only nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off.

The Mexican-colored red, green and white smoke from pre-game fireworks had barely dissipated before Quinones fired the hosts into the lead on nine minutes, drilling a low shot through the legs of South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams.

A deafening roar cascaded down from the stands of the Azteca, the footballing cathedral that became the only stadium to host games at three different World Cups.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos had warned his players to be ready for the intimidating atmosphere created by a capacity 80,824 crowd at the imposing concrete arena.

• Mexico’s forward #16 Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP)

Mexico forward Julián Quiñones etched his name into World Cup history on Thursday by scoring the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

AFP reported that Quiñones struck in the ninth minute of the tournament’s opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, sending the home crowd into celebration.

The goal marked the first of the expanded 48-team World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. It also made Quiñones the first player to find the net at the tournament, earning a place in World Cup folklore.

Playing in front of a packed Azteca Stadium, Quiñones capitalized on Mexico’s early pressure to break the deadlock and give the hosts a dream start to their campaign.

The 2026 World Cup, the largest in FIFA history, features 104 matches and will conclude with the final in New Jersey on July 19.

Image credit : AFP

Global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy delivered a high-energy performance of “Dai Dai” during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thrilling fans with a vibrant display of music and dance.

Shakira took to the stage following a performance by J Balvin and immediately energized the crowd with the opening verse of the tournament’s official song.

The Colombian superstar showcased her signature dance moves before Burna Boy emerged on stage to a deafening roar from spectators.

The pair danced together as fans cheered throughout the performance.

“Dai Dai” serves as the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 song and also supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at expanding access to education around the world.

Backed by a troupe of dancers, Shakira delivered a polished choreography routine, while Burna Boy matched the energy with his own dance moves alongside his dance crew.

The performance reached a rousing finale as both artists came together at center stage to lead the crowd in the song’s closing refrain, singing: “Dale, allez, let’s go!”