Shakira, record of expulsions and victory of the hosts: see how the debut of the 2026 World Cup was and the results of the first games

2026 World Cup: the debut and results of the first games
The biggest World Cup in history has officially begun. And the kick-off was in style, in front of more than 80,000 fans at the Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City.
The opening game repeated a duel that marked the start of the 2010 World Cup. On that occasion, hosts South Africa drew 1-1 with Mexico. Sixteen years later, the Mexicans came back and won 2-0 in front of their fans.
The opening party
Before the ball rolled, the opening ceremony celebrated Latin culture and brought together artists from different parts of the world. Colombian Shakira was one of the attractions at the party, which also included Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, K-pop star EJ and French DJ David Guetta.
Shakira was one of the attractions at the opening party of the 2026 World Cup
Reproduction/TV Globo
The first goal of the World Cup
When the match started, Mexico didn't take long to celebrate with the fans. In the ninth minute, Julián Quiñones, a Colombian naturalized Mexican, took advantage of a failure in the South African defense and scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup.
South Africa tried to react, but was faced with a great performance from goalkeeper Williams, who avoided a more elastic score in the first half.
Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of the World Cup
Reproduction/TV Globo
Three expulsions historic
The duel also went down in history for an unusual reason. Under the command of Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio, the match saw three expulsions - something unheard of in World Cup opening games.
The first red card went to Cittoli, from South Africa. Later, Zuane was also sent off after the video referee's recommendation for aggression. In the final minutes, Mexican defender César Montes received a red card in a decision that sparked discussion.
The match saw three expulsions - something unheard of in World Cup opening games
Reproduction/TV Globo
Victory for the Hosts
With two more players for much of the match, Mexico took advantage. Alvarado crossed just enough for Raul Jiménez to score the second goal and guarantee the victory for the hosts.
In the fourth World Cup of his career, Jiménez found the net for the first time in the World Cup and was very emotional in the celebration.
Elected best player of the match, Quiñones highlighted the connection between the team and the Mexican fans. And, based on the party seen at Azteca, the relationship promises to yield new chapters throughout the tournament.
Mexico defeated South Africa in the opening of the tournament
Reproduction/TV Globo
South Korea a curious move, after a throw-in was taken directly into the area.
But the South Korean response came with authority. The team sought a comeback and even scored one of the most beautiful goals at the start of the World Cup, guaranteeing the first three points in the competition.
If the first day is any indicator, the 2026 World Cup started the way fans like it: packed stadium, party in the stands, goals and emotion.
South Korea beat the Czech Republic 2-1
Reproduction/TV Globo

Source: G1