# 2026 World Cup Group A Matchday 1: South Korea’s Late Comeback, Mexico’s Three‑Red‑Card Opener
The first round of Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered two dramatic storylines – hosts Mexico finally broke their “opening‑match curse” in a **three‑red‑card thriller**, while South Korea came from a goal down to become the first Asian team to claim a victory in this tournament.
## 1. Mexico 2-0 South Africa: Three Red Cards Rewrite Opening‑Day History
Early on June 12, at a packed Azteca Stadium, Mexico defeated South Africa 2‑0, ending a run of seven World Cup opening matches without a win and taking three vital points.
- **9th minute** – Erik Lira won the ball high up the pitch and set up **Julián Quiñones**, who drove into the box and fired low into the net, scoring the first goal of the 2026 World Cup. Mexico 1‑0.
- **Second half chaos** – The game turned into a record‑breaking card fest.
- **49th minute** – South Africa’s Sithole was shown a straight red for a foul on Gutiérrez, who was through on goal. First red card of the tournament.
- **67th minute** – Roberto Alvarado crossed from the right, and 35‑year‑old veteran **Raúl Jiménez** powered a header home. Mexico 2‑0.
- **84th minute** – South Africa substitute Zwane was sent off after a VAR check for an elbow.
- **90+2’** – Mexico’s Montes also received a straight red for a reckless challenge.
- **Three red cards in a single match** – a new record for a World Cup opener, and only the second time in World Cup history (after Portugal vs Netherlands in 2006) that three red cards were shown in one game.
Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez were the goalscorers for Mexico. 17‑year‑old Gilberto Mora became the youngest player to appear in this World Cup.
## 2. South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic: Hwang In‑beom’s Goal and Assist Spark Comeback
Later on June 12 at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, South Korea staged a 2‑1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic – their first win in an opening World Cup match in 16 years and the first win for an Asian team in this edition.
- **First half** – Both sides created chances but the score remained 0‑0.
- **59th minute** – Czech defender Krejčí headed home from a long throw‑in by Coufal. Czech Republic 1‑0.
- **67th minute** – Lee Kang‑in provided the assist, and **Hwang In‑beom** dribbled past the goalkeeper before slotting into an empty net to level the score. 1‑1.
- **80th minute** – Hwang turned provider, picking out **Oh Hyeon‑gyu**, who bundled the ball over the line from close range. South Korea 2‑1.
- **77th minute** – Czech captain Souček had a headed goal ruled out for offside, sparing South Korea a late equaliser.
**Hwang In‑beom** was the star of the match, contributing one goal and one assist in the second‑half turnaround.
## 3. Group A Standings & Next Matches
After the first round, Mexico and South Korea both have 3 points, with Mexico leading on goal difference. Czech Republic and South Africa are third and fourth respectively. In the next round, South Korea will face hosts Mexico, while the Czech Republic will take on South Africa.
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