The curtain has risen on the 2026 World Cup. For the first time, three countries — the United States, Mexico and Canada — are jointly hosting the tournament. In the opening match of the event, held in North America, co-hosts Mexico faced South Africa in Group A. Mexico dominated the match and beat 10-man South Africa 2-0.
The 39-day spectacle began with a dazzling ceremony before a crowd of about 80,000 at the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
The opening ceremony was held 90 minutes before kick-off. World-famous Colombian artists Shakira and Bruna Boy performed music there. The singers J Balvin and South African singer Tyla also took part.
The first goal of the tournament came from the foot of Mexico’s Julián Quiñones. The forward scored the goal in the 9th minute. Leading by that goal, the hosts went into the break ahead.
After the break, South Africa’s midfielder Sphephelo Sithole saw the first red card of the 2026 World Cup. In the 50th minute, Sithole was punished for a foul while trying to stop a Mexico player at the edge of the penalty box.
In the 66th minute, Gilberto Mora came on to make history as the youngest player for Mexico in World Cup history. In the very next minute, Raúl Jiménez put Mexico 2-0 ahead.
In the 84th minute of the match, South Africa were reduced to nine men after another red card. This time, midfielder Themba Zwane was sent off for bringing down a Mexico player while trying to attack.
After the regulation time of the match, Mexico’s César Montes also saw a red card. But the hosts had no trouble securing the win.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report