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Euronews
Euronews
Emma De Ruiter

Mexico beats South Africa and Czechia loses to South Korea in World Cup opening matches

Mexico made an immediate impression in a drama-filled opening match of the 2026 World Cup, winning 2-0 against South Africa in a game that produced three red cards.

The Mexicans rebounded from the massive disappointment of being eliminated after the group stage four years ago in Qatar. That followed seven straight trips to the round of 16 — an achievement that became more of a curse for failing to reach the quarterfinals.

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