2026 FIFA World Cup Day 1: The top 10 dramatic moments

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened on Thursday with a burst of drama, history and a stunning comeback that set the tone for the tournament. Mexico finally broke its long-standing curse by winning the opening match for the first time, while South Korea staged a second-half comeback to beat Czechia 2–1 in Guadalajara. From three red cards in a single match to teenage substitute Gilberto Mora making history, Day 1 delivered a string of moments.

Here are the top 10 moments from Day 1 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

1) Mexico ends 40-year opening match curse with 2–0 win over South Africa

Mexico finally won the World Cup opening match for the first time, beating South Africa 2–0 in Mexico City at the Estadio Azteca. The co-hosts had never won an opener in their history, and this victory marked a symbolic turning point for El Tri.

2. Julian Quinones’ 9th-minute goal -- one of the fastest in a World Cup opener

The first goal of the tournament came in the 9th minute, scored by Julian Quinones. According to Sky Sports, only Philipp Lahm’s 6th-minute strike for Germany against Costa Rica in 2006 came earlier in an opening match.

3. Raul Jimenez adds the second and scores his 50th goal for Mexico

Raul Jimenez scored the second goal in the 67th minute, assisted by Gilberto Mora. It was Jimenez’s 50th goal for Mexico, making him a key figure in the national team’s history.

4. Three red cards – The second most ever in a single World Cup match

The opener was overshadowed by three red cards, the highest number in a single World Cup match. Sphephelo Sithole (50th minute), Themba Zwane (84th minute) and Mexican defender Montes (90+2’) were all sent off, leaving South Africa with only nine outfield players.

5. South Africa forced to play with only nine players

After the three red cards, South Africa was left with just nine outfield players and had to reshuffle their defense multiple times. The disciplinary chaos dominated the narrative of the match, even as Mexico controlled possession.

6. South Korea comeback: Hwang In-beom’s equaliser and Oh Hyeon-gyu’s 80th-minute winner

In the second game, South Korea came from behind to beat Czechia 2–1 in Guadalajara. Ladislav Krejci scored for Czechia in the 22nd minute. Hwang In-beom equalised in the 55th minute and set up Oh Hyeon-gyu’s winner in the 80th minute.

7. Hwang In-beom creates the goal -- Man of the Match in Guadalajara

Hwang In-beom was the standout performer for South Korea, scoring the equaliser and setting up Oh Hyeon-gyu’s winner. His performance turned the game and gave South Korea a boost after a disappointing start to their campaign.

8. Teenage substitute Gilberto Mora makes history for Mexico

Gilberto Mora, a teenage substitute for Mexico, made history in the opener. He was part of the build-up to Jimenez’s second goal and became a symbol of Mexico’s new generation of players.

Also read: VAR at 2026 World Cup: Simple guide to what it is, how it works and why it frustrates everyone 

9. First goals in expanded 48-Nation, 104-match World Cup

The matches marked the first goals in the expanded 48-nation, 104-game World Cup, which is the largest tournament in history. The opening day set the tone for a tournament that promises to be bigger and more dramatic than ever.

10. A World Cup that’s already alive with drama and emotion

The opening day of the 2026 World Cup began in Mexico, featuring a flurry of red cards and concluding with the Red Devils’ triumph. The tournament’s opening day has already shown that disciplinary drama can overshadow even the most important matches, and that the World Cup is already alive with emotion, drama and suspense.