FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A Results: Mexico and South Korea Win on Day One

Group A delivered two thrilling matches on June 11–12. Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. South Korea defeated Czechia 2-1 in a late comeback. Both winners now share the top of Group A with 3 points each.

Mexico 2–0 South Africa — Tournament Opener, Estadio Azteca

Mexico launched their 2026 World Cup campaign with a dominant 2-0 win. They played in front of over 80,000 home fans at the Estadio Azteca. Business Standard

Quiñones Scores the First World Cup Goal

Julián Quiñones punished Sphephelo Sithole's costly error in the ninth minute. He finished low past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to open the scoring. Outlook India
That goal became the earliest first goal in a World Cup since 2006. Philipp Lahm had scored for Germany against Costa Rica in just six minutes back then. 

Jiménez Doubles the Lead

Mexico sealed the win midway through the second half. Raúl Jiménez powered a close-range header from Roberto Alvarado's delivery. 

Three Red Cards Steal the Headlines

The match ended with only 19 players on the field. South Africa's Sithole and Themba Zwane both received red cards. Mexico's César Montes was also sent off late in the game.  

Montes now faces an automatic one-match ban. He will miss Mexico's next Group A game against South Korea. 

Match Summary

South Korea 2–1 Czechia — A Classic Comeback, Guadalajara

South Korea started the stronger side in Guadalajara. They created chances throughout the first half but could not beat Czechia goalkeeper Matej Kovář.

Korea Dominate — Kovář Stands Firm

Kovář denied Lee Kang-in with a sharp save in the 14th minute. Son Heung-min also wasted two good chances before half-time.  

Czechia Strike Against the Run of Play

Czechia broke the deadlock in the 59th minute. Captain Ladislav Krejčí soared to meet Vladimír Coufal's long throw and headed past Kim Seunggyu.  

Korea Fight Back to Win

South Korea responded quickly. Hwang In-beom equalised in the 67th minute with a composed finish after a clever team move.  

Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu then scored the winner in the 80th minute. His goal sealed a memorable comeback victory for the Taeguk Warriors. 

Match Summary:

Group A Standings — After Matchday 1

Mexico and South Korea now sit level on three points at the top of the group

What Happens Next in Group A?

The two teams that lost on Day 1 must respond quickly. Czechia face South Africa on June 18 in a must-not-lose fixture. Mexico then play South Korea the same day.
The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds. The eight best third-place finishers also progress to the Round of 32.

Group A already looks wide open. One bad result can change everything.

Key Takeaways From Day One

• Mexico started strong as World Cup co-hosts. Quiñones scored the tournament's first goal.
• South Korea showed great character. They fought back from a goal down to win.
• South Africa suffered a damaging two red cards. They face a tough road ahead.
• Czechia were unlucky to concede late. They still have a chance to qualify.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already delivering drama. Group A sets the tone perfectly for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.