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.

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!”

• Image credit: FIFA

The FIFA World Cup 2026, kicked off today 11 June in Mexico city stadium by 20.00 local time.

Mexico and South Africa in Group A are opening the match, the team they faced at the same stage of the tournament in 2010.

The focus will then shift to Guadalajara, where Asia and Europe are represented as Korea Republic do battle with a Czechia side still on a high from their success in the UEFA play-offs.

Who will end Matchday 1 with the upper hand in Group A?

Details later.