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Latest news and updates after the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at Mexico City Stadium with Mexico playing against South Africa after the opening ceremony
A message appears on a large screen at the FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto (Image: (Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images))
As the 2026 World Cup gets underway, everything you might have missed overnight…
South Korea comes from behind to win: South Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 at Estadio Guadalajara. Hwang In-beom’s momentary magic canceled out Ladislav Krejji’s opening goal, and with 10 minutes remaining, substitute Oh Hyun-gyu scored the winning goal. FIFA confused by empty seats: Large sections of empty seats were visible in stadiums on the first day of the tournament, as the results of the controversial World Cup ticket sales strategy quickly became clear to a global television audience. The overnight game in South Korea left thousands of seats unused in Guadalajara. FIFA Fan Festival Toronto Evacuated: The first day of the FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto, Canada, was canceled after one hour due to weather warnings. After heavy rain, a thunderstorm warning was issued, leaving organizers with little choice but to evacuate the event. Fan zone overcrowding: During their time in Houston, fans were kept away from the fan zone due to fears of overcrowding. Temperatures in Texas City also hit 93 degrees Fahrenheit. Mexico wins opening match: After a star-studded opening ceremony with performances from Shakira and Burna Boy, Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa finally brought an end to their World Cup opening misery. Julián Quiñones and Raul Jimenez both scored, sending the home supporters into a frenzy. History of red cards: However, the opening game of the 2026 World Cup made unwanted history with three red cards, the most ever for a World Cup opening game. South Africa’s Yaya Sithole was sent off for not allowing a scoring opportunity, and Themba Zwane was sent off for a slap before Mexico’s Cesar Montes was given his marching orders for a late foul. VAR drama: Zwane was shown a red card after VAR intervened to review an off-the-ball incident in which he slapped Roberto Alvarado. After a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Sampaio checked the pitchside monitor before sending Zwane off for violent conduct. Violent clash: Just before Mexico’s victory over South Africa, there was a violent clash outside Azteca Stadium. Hooded protesters threw petrol bombs, rocks, garbage cans, bananas and flower pots at riot police, leaving a female police officer with serious head injuries requiring first aid. Spokesperson’s reaction: A spokesperson for Mexico’s National Security Secretary said: “Nearly 200 hooded people broke away from two groups of about 800 demonstrators, but the situation was brought under control by the Metropolitan Police.” England supporters warned: Reece James warns England fans kick-off against Costa Rica was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms, so they could get used to the weather delay. “Part of it is accepting that. Like I said, it’s the same for both teams. It’s not just about us. We’re preparing as best we can.”
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