The opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered drama in abundance, with co-hosts Mexico easing past a nine-man South Africa 2-0, before South Korea mounted a spirited comeback to beat the Czech Republic in the day's second fixture.

More red cards than goals — a worrying omen?

The first match began with promise. Mexico played fluid, attractive football in the opening quarter-hour and took the lead through Julian Quinones, while South Africa matched their hosts for intensity if not quality. Then both sides seemed to wilt under the heat after the first drinks break, and the contest deteriorated badly.

Three red cards arrived in the second half. Yaya Sithole was dismissed for a reckless last-man challenge on Brian Gutierrez just outside the penalty area; Themba Zwane followed after slapping Roberto Alvarado in the head during a confrontation; and Cesar Montes was sent off for cynically hauling down Khuliso Mudau — the most contentious of the three decisions.

The dismissals drained the life from the match. Mexico were content to sit on their lead, while South Africa had publicly acknowledged before kick-off that any points from the group opener would be a bonus, given that eight of the 12 best third-placed sides will advance to the knockout rounds. The hope now is that a flood of red cards does not become a recurring theme, particularly in games played in the most intense afternoon heat.

Jimenez's tears of joy on home turf

The most emotional moment of the day belonged to Raul Jimenez. The Mexico striker, who suffered a life-threatening head injury in 2020 and this week agreed to return to relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer from Fulham, scored Mexico's second goal in front of a roaring home crowd — and promptly burst into tears.

The raw emotion on Jimenez's face said everything. To score at a World Cup on home soil, after everything he has endured, was a moment that transcended football. It will take some beating as the standout image of the group stage.

Son Heung-min's nightmare afternoon

South Korea dominated the Czech Republic for long stretches of their match, and Son Heung-min was at the centre of almost every good move. The former Tottenham Hotspur captain, now playing for LAFC, could realistically have had a hat-trick in the first half alone — but he shot wide after beating two defenders, poked the ball past the post from close range, and fired straight at the goalkeeper when clean through.

Son ended his afternoon with six shots and no goals, and was substituted in the 69th minute — just after Hwang In-beom had equalised with a brilliant strike. His replacement, Oh Heyon-Gyu, went on to score the winner. South Korea got the result, but their captain will be expected to convert chances at this level as the tournament progresses.

The long throw arrives at the World Cup

Set pieces — and long throws in particular — dominated tactical debate throughout the 2025/26 domestic season. Now the trend has reached the World Cup stage. Vladimir Coufal, formerly of West Ham United, launched a flat, penetrating throw from the right flank deep into the South Korean six-yard box, where Ladislav Krejci timed his run to the near post perfectly and powered home the opener for the Czech Republic.

Tomas Soucek also had a goal disallowed for offside from a free kick. Set pieces, it appears, are not going away — whatever the level of competition.