WeeklySA_AdminACTION: As the tournament gathers momentum, South Africa faces a crucial showdown with Czechia while football giants Brazil, France, Argentina and England prepare to enter the spotlight…
By WSAM Correspondents
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway and, after the first four matches, fans have already been treated to host nation celebrations, red cards, goals, upsets and statements of intent from some of the tournament’s contenders.
Mexico delighted a packed Estadio Azteca by defeating South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener, while South Korea produced the first surprise result by overcoming Czechia 2-1 in Group A.
Elsewhere, co-host Canada was held to a draw by Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the United States made an emphatic start with a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
From Mexico City’s roar to America’s statement win, the
World Cup has begun at full throttle — and the best may still be to come…
With the tournament now spreading across North America, attention turns to heavyweight nations Brazil, Germany, Spain, France, Argentina, England and Portugal, who are all preparing to begin their campaigns in the coming days.
GROUP A
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
The tournament’s opening match belonged to the hosts.
Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez gave Mexico a deserved victory in front of nearly 90,000 supporters. South Africa showed flashes of quality but were hampered by costly mistakes and finished the match with nine men following the dismissals of Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane.
South Korea 2-1 Czechia
The Koreans produced the first upset of the tournament, overturning pre-match expectations with an energetic display against the Europeans.
The result leaves South Korea level on points with Mexico and puts immediate pressure on both Czechia and South Africa heading into the next round of fixtures.
Next Fixtures – June 18
• Czechia vs South Africa
• Mexico vs South Korea
Group A Situation
Mexico and South Korea lead with three points each, while South Africa and Czechia are yet to get off the mark.
GROUP B
Canada 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Co-host Canada failed to make home advantage count after being held by a disciplined Bosnian side. The draw leaves Group B finely balanced heading into the next set of matches.
Next Fixtures
• Qatar vs Switzerland
• Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Canada vs Qatar
GROUP D
United States 4-1 Paraguay
The Americans delivered one of the most impressive performances of the opening round. Playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, the USA overwhelmed Paraguay with pace, movement and attacking efficiency, immediately announcing themselves as serious contenders.
Next Fixtures
• Australia vs Turkey
• United States vs Australia
• Turkey vs Paraguay
MATCHES TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND
Brazil vs Morocco
One of the most attractive fixtures of the opening round. Five-time champions Brazil begin another quest for glory against an ambitious Moroccan side looking to continue Africa’s recent rise on the world stage.
Germany vs Curacao
The Germans will be overwhelming favourites but cannot afford complacency against a Curacao side enjoying its first taste of World Cup football.
Netherlands vs Japan
A fascinating tactical battle between two technically gifted teams.
Spain vs Cape Verde
Cape Verde face one of football’s giants in what promises to be one of the biggest matches in their sporting history.
France vs Senegal
Arguably the standout fixture of the opening group-stage round. African champions Senegal will attempt to upset one of the tournament favourites in a match loaded with quality and history.
Portugal vs DR Congo
Africa’s hopes will once again be tested when DR Congo face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Group K.
England vs Croatia
A repeat of several memorable international encounters and one of the headline fixtures of the first week.
