FIFA World Cup 2026 :Canada/Mexico/United States: Discussion Thread

[ASloveapg]

Mexico 1 Vs South Africa 0 HT
It's half time in the opening day match between these 2 nations, so far Mexico has been the team to watch in the first as they completely dominated the play form the beginning up till the half time. South Africa didn't even make any attempt on goal untill the 44 minutes before their number 14 had that attempt towards goal. Mexico has missed 2 - 3 chances so far and they need to work on that, convert your chances before our opponent gets to hurt you, this is football and anything is possible. South Africa might come into the game after the break and surprise the mexicans right in their front.

I think this game is pretty much decided already and you can clearly see the difference in quality. Mexico looks like the much better team, while South Africa barely has any control in midfield. It's hard to see things changing much in the second half. If anything, Mexico is more likely to score another goal or two ...

Yes, South Africa could not control the ball in the first half, Mexico had 11 shots in the first half, while South Africa only had 2 shots.
Also, South Africa's performance is not good already, and at the moment they have also received a red card. So now it is almost certain that South Africa will lose the match. Their performance is not good either, and a red card has made them out of the possibility of winning in all aspects. There is no reason to worry much about the match now, Mexico will win the match.

[Stavri]

this match is the exact definition of what the world cup is all about.
Mexico and South Africa... two completely unrelated countries and two vastly different cultures. fact that they can face each other in a tournament is such a beautiful thing.
this is exactly why i love world cup.

[Xyloo]

Mexico vs South Africa, this was not a game I anticipated would be the start of the World Cup. That goal was a costly mistake from the defender, who was not aware of his surrounding while receiving the ball. The intensity from the game was quite a tough one and what should be expected of the World Cup competition.

Both teams are putting on their best and it would be a lovely experience that more goals are scored in today's game. African fans should be in high anticipation and hype for the game already, it is the biggest competition in the football World.

Yes, of course, football is the biggest competition in the world. And it is one of the most beautiful and exciting games. Mexico is a strong team. South Africa is a little less strong than Mexico. But their attacks like long pressing, and quick counter attacks are worth watching. The opening match of the World Cup 2026 has started with the touch of two strong teams. The Mexican attack is very good. But the South African defense is not easily broken and penetrated. Ronway Williams stands the strongest behind the South African defense line. Before half time, Mexico made ten short shots on goal, which Williams saved with great experience. South Africa's hard work has shown in the match, best wishes for South Africa.

I don't know if you're watching the match, but Mexico scored a goal very early on. They're also clearly the better team. South Africa received the first red card of the tournament and are currently down to ten men. I think Mexico will use this huge advantage to score goals, because goals scored are very important for goal difference in this tournament.

[Jaycoinz]

The excitement has begun at the World Cup, and currently, host nation Mexico is leading South Africa 1-0 with a goal scored in the first half. We are waiting for the second half to begin. Mexico has been the dominant team, thanks to crowd support and good play. South Africa needs to improve in the second half; they are not even trying right now. They have completely relinquished control of the game to Mexico.

Mexico is currently leading but they've not been much creative in the final third. Their only goal of the match came as a mistake from South Africa defense which was obviously avoidable. If Mexico doesn't improve and begin to convert their possession to goals in the second half, they might end up not winning.
South Africa still has a good chance of coming back in the game but to do that, they'll have to stop Mexico from dominating the game like they did in the first half. The second half is about to kick off, hopefully, we're going to see more goals than what we saw in the first half.

Well all the hopes and chances of things turning out differently for South Africa in this game I think is now close after they got themselves a red card in the game, so far in terms of creativity, it has definitely been poor from both side, not exactly the wonderful glamourous to game that happened last time the two met at the 2010 opening show in South Africa.

[Ambatman]

this match is the exact definition of what the world cup is all about.
Mexico and South Africa... two completely unrelated countries and two vastly different cultures. fact that they can face each other in a tournament is such a beautiful thing.
this is exactly why i love world cup.

Maybe is me or that my country didn't qualify for the World Cup which I'm a little grateful for
I'm not as hyped as I usually was years ago.
It's like we transitioning to another generation
Last World Cup with Ronaldo and Messi with them playing below their prime
Isn't something that interest me much.

[nikola22]

What a mess asSphephelo Sithole has been sent out of the field for stopping a goal opportunity by bringing down his opponent close to South Africa 18 yard box. South Africa his playing the game with one man than four minutes after the second half kicked off.

This is a good opportunity for the Mexicans to score as many goal as they can because the shot one will really affect their performance in this game. What a bad start for South Africans.

even with equal squads South Africa looked very poor and now with one player down they can only hope for a miracle to equalize. I think Mexico need to score a second goal to feel comfortable at the end of the match. if Mexico wins this match their chances of advancing from the group will be very high. for now it looks like South Africa will be the clear underdog in Group A.

[Spaceman1000$]

Mexico has taken the lead as Quinones opened the scoreline on the 9th minutes of the game. This is the first early goal that has been scored in the world cup since 2006. South Africa should be careful with their defense to avoid conceding more goals from the host side. Mexico is dominating the game and winning possession but things might still turn around for South Africa later in the game.

Mexico 1-0. S. Africa

Mexico's quick goal gave them more confidence despite South Africa's resistance but it didn't make Mexico's determination slacken and they were still in control at the end of the first half.

The second half is likely to be interesting but if Mexico want to secure the 3 points then they need to be a little more aggressive and improve their finishing because they had plenty of chances but the finishing was a little unsatisfactory for me. There is another option to play a bit safer but it won't be effective because South Africa rely on their pace and if they are given space to get into a rhythm then it could be dangerous for Mexico in the second half.

I watched the Bafana Bafana in their qualifiers series for this tournament, they were more impressive than this. From the beginning of the first half, Mexico have been more domineering than South Africa. The two countries are on the same level based on the level of average players they have, but Mexico Nevada and edge probably because of the fact that they are enjoying home support, it's 2-0 already and Mexico is are already looking like they might score more, because South Africa is one man down, and it's really affecting them.

[Jegileman]

even with equal squads South Africa looked very poor and now with one player down they can only hope for a miracle to equalize. I think Mexico need to score a second goal to feel comfortable at the end of the match. if Mexico wins this match their chances of advancing from the group will be very high. for now it looks like South Africa will be the clear underdog in Group A.

Mexico have increased their lead after their striker nod in a goal from the crossing outside the eighteen yard box. The defenders didn’t complete their marking, so it was easy for him to comfortably head the ball into the net. The pressure on South Africa will now be much than before and I think Mexico will still try to score more goals even though they now have a comfortable lead in the game. South Africa are not playing like a team that wants to score, Mexico has overpowered them in all ramifications and I think they may end up accepting defeat in this game. Great ball from Mexico and superb lead in the game so far.

[Mustang Shelby]

What a mess asSphephelo Sithole has been sent out of the field for stopping a goal opportunity by bringing down his opponent close to South Africa 18 yard box. South Africa his playing the game with one man than four minutes after the second half kicked off.

This is a good opportunity for the Mexicans to score as many goal as they can because the shot one will really affect their performance in this game. What a bad start for South Africans.

even with equal squads South Africa looked very poor and now with one player down they can only hope for a miracle to equalize. I think Mexico need to score a second goal to feel comfortable at the end of the match. if Mexico wins this match their chances of advancing from the group will be very high. for now it looks like South Africa will be the clear underdog in Group A.

Mexico has already scored their second goal and are currently 2-0 up. They are having a comfortable match and will likely remain so because their opponents are playing with fewer players. I also see that South Africa is getting frustrated. South Africa has started making mistakes in defense as well.

[Italian Panic]

What can I say, other than that Mexico are clearly superior to South Africa? Then Sithole’s red card certainly didn’t help his teammates, they weren’t playing well to begin with, and now they risk being run ragged. I thought the absence of Cuchky Lozano and Giovanni Los Santos would have had a much greater impact on the Mexican team, but I have to say they are playing well, even if their opponents aren’t much a good team.

[BRINIRHA]

Mexico's quick goal gave them more confidence despite South Africa's resistance but it didn't make Mexico's determination slacken and they were still in control at the end of the first half.

The second half is likely to be interesting but if Mexico want to secure the 3 points then they need to be a little more aggressive and improve their finishing because they had plenty of chances but the finishing was a little unsatisfactory for me. There is another option to play a bit safer but it won't be effective because South Africa rely on their pace and if they are given space to get into a rhythm then it could be dangerous for Mexico in the second half.

I watched the Bafana Bafana in their qualifiers series for this tournament, they were more impressive than this. From the beginning of the first half, Mexico have been more domineering than South Africa. The two countries are on the same level based on the level of average players they have, but Mexico Nevada and edge probably because of the fact that they are enjoying home support, it's 2-0 already and Mexico is are already looking like they might score more, because South Africa is one man down, and it's really affecting them.

I can confirm that this is the end for this match and South Africa have lost points in the first match now. They're already in a bad shape and the loss of one player at the start of the second half makes it even harder for them to do anything other than defend for now.

Mexico, who had the advantage from the beginning, is more comfortable now that they have 2 goals, the 1-man advantage also makes them stronger even though they don't want to reduce the intensity of the attack because they want more goals in this match.
First match and first red card It's been an interesting start and it makes my expectations even higher for the other matches.

[Mustang Shelby]

What can I say, other than that Mexico are clearly superior to South Africa? Then Sithole’s red card certainly didn’t help his teammates, they weren’t playing well to begin with, and now they risk being run ragged. I thought the absence of Cuchky Lozano and Giovanni Los Santos would have had a much greater impact on the Mexican team, but I have to say they are playing well, even if their opponents aren’t much a good team.

South Africa is currently playing worse than Mexico. We could have said the same thing before the red card. They didn't get a red card in the first half, but they had no chance against Mexico. We're about to enter the last 10 minutes of the match. They must be more worried about conceding goals. Mexico, on the other hand, is already thinking about the next match and trying not to tire their players out too much.

[Merit.s]

Well all the hopes and chances of things turning out differently for South Africa in this game I think is now close after they got themselves a red card in the game, so far in terms of creativity, it has definitely been poor from both side, not exactly the wonderful glamourous to game that happened last time the two met at the 2010 opening show in South Africa.

Mexico has been more creative in this game is just that William isn't giving the Mexicans any chance to get a second goal. However, after the red card, Mexico was able to double their lead 2-0 with a beautiful header from Jumenez on the 67th minutes. Mexico is the better side in this game because even when South Africa was playing with their complete squad, they couldn't create any good opportunities to find the back of the net

[retreat]

South Africa is highly likely to lose this match, as they have lost momentum and Mexico continues to play more aggressively. Mexico currently has a two-goal lead, with just over 20 minutes remaining, so they have a strong chance of winning their World Cup opener.

If Mexico ultimately wins, it will be a great start for them.

[B-BossMan]

The excitement has begun at the World Cup, and currently, host nation Mexico is leading South Africa 1-0 with a goal scored in the first half. We are waiting for the second half to begin. Mexico has been the dominant team, thanks to crowd support and good play. South Africa needs to improve in the second half; they are not even trying right now. They have completely relinquished control of the game to Mexico.

Indeed it's an excitement game tonight, the season has truly began in the favor of Mexico against South Africa. I know every countries actually comes with the aims of victory, especially when it's the first beginning, Mexico has started this season with a great steps ahead and I was impressed with how they are playing, imagine having an opportunity to score the first goal at very early minutes of the match,  the South Africa also try in this match,because they also perform well as expected but they were not opportunity yet to have a goal. Well presently Mexico is Winning or are leading by goals ....Mexico-2 South Africa-0. The match is still at the 85¹ minutes, let's see how the match will end,if not I have testified that th Mexico has taken the victory already,but anything can happen in die minutes, that's football for us.

[Jaycoinz]

Well all the hopes and chances of things turning out differently for South Africa in this game I think is now close after they got themselves a red card in the game, so far in terms of creativity, it has definitely been poor from both side, not exactly the wonderful glamourous to game that happened last time the two met at the 2010 opening show in South Africa.

Mexico has been more creative in this game is just that William isn't giving the Mexicans any chance to get a second goal. However, after the red card, Mexico was able to double their lead 2-0 with a beautiful header from Jumenez on the 67th minutes. Mexico is the better side in this game because even when South Africa was playing with their complete squad, they couldn't create any good opportunities to find the back of the net

Well the goal was expected since they have already gotten themselves a red card despite the fact they have been struggling so badly to keep up with the pressure of the Mexicans. I think with the scoreline like this, the game is already fixed and sure for Mexico as the first official team to win their match in the 2026 world cup and as part of the host nation too. Hopefully South Africa can bounce back in their next game in the group stage and make up for the defeat today.

[Soonandwaite]

two red cards in the opening match of a World Cup... that’s something you hardly ever see. but never mind. Mexico deserved to win and have secured their first three points.
three points almost guarantees Mexico’s place in the next round. that said, i do miss the buzz and hum of the fans, just like it used to be in the old Azteca Stadium.
it really was a great atmosphere back then.

edit: three red cards 

[GiftedMAN]

South Africa is highly likely to lose this match, as they have lost momentum and Mexico continues to play more aggressively. Mexico currently has a two-goal lead, with just over 20 minutes remaining, so they have a strong chance of winning their World Cup opener.

If Mexico ultimately wins, it will be a great start for them.

It's 87 minutes already with Mexico still leading with 2:0. They have started their outing very well and winning against South Africa is a good way for them to begin their outing, they will be more motivated by the win tonight as it will prepare them for their next match will will see them qualify from the group stage should they win in the game. Congratulations to Mexico on winning their opening game.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Joao Neves, Vitinha, all players who have shown that they are certainly capable of winning very important championships and equally important trophies such as the champions league, a trophy that few have the privilege of winning, that's it, I'm happy that it went like this, they will have a great team.

I agree with you, it's a great team, plus they have very good options with CR7 to lead the attack, and they have everything to win. They also have Bruno with Cancelo and Conceicao. They have a tremendous team and can win all the games without any problem. They can do it and for me they are the favorites to win the World Cup. Many say Spain or France, even Argentina and Brazil, but I think Portugal is superior in these matches.

[CLS63]

There are 3 red cards in the opening match. It is a quite eventful match to be honest. Mexico haven't let their opponent find many goal opportunities so far.

It looks like they will secure a comfortable win. This was the expected result from the beginning by bookies as well. But this many red cards wouldn't be predicted easily.