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

[Ndabagi01]

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.

The South Africans have committed another foul and this time around it was the VAR that called on the referee to check, and the final verdict was a red card for them. They’re now down to 9 players and given the most chance to Mexico to take the lead more serious. Two red card in the opening game looks too harsh though. I never saw the second could as that which is suppose to be a red card but the referees verdict is the final.

Edit: The Mexican defender just also denied the South Africans a goal scoring opportunity and has also been shown the red card. Three red cards so far in the game and the game already in the extra minutes.

[ASloveapg]

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.

Holy shit, South Africa got another red card, they are really bad, Mexico scored 2 goals and South Africa got 2 red cards, good combination. But the way South Africa lost the match, it is really shamefull for them, they lost their first match of the World Cup in a very bad way. The match is almost over, maybe 4-5 minutes left, Mexico won the match with a very good performance, hopefully they will perform as well in their next match 19 jun against South Korea.

[kriminall]

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.

I'm sure those who bet on red cards are the happiest. Because the probability of three red cards at once is very low, and very few people bet on it. Also, I was expecting Mexico to score more goals after the red cards, but they only scored two. That was another surprise for me, but of course they are right because they need to rest their players.

[Unsoldier]

Mexico won the opening match 2-0 to comfortably secure all three points. For the first time ever, a World Cup opening match saw three red cards brandished—two for South Africa and one for Mexico—though I wouldn't say it was a dirty game. The late red card for Mexico was completely unnecessary, but the South African player was driving dangerously into the box and drew the foul from the Mexican defender.

[pawel7777]

Alright, there we go. The tournament is officially open and the first match is completed.
There are opinions out there about Mexico not having a particularly strong team this year, and I even considered betting against them in the opener, but they didn't disappoint their fans and delivered a great result. Two red cards for South Africa surely helped.
We didn't have to wait long for the first goal of the tournament. Julian Quinones scored one in the 9th minute after some sloppy defending by South Africa.

We have two games scheduled for tomorrow, odds for which (from Winna.com) are as follows:

Republic of Korea x2.72 Vs Czechia x3.00; Draw x3.05
Canada x1.84 Vs Bosnia & Herzegovina x4.40; Draw x3.55

Czechia could be a decent pick. South Korea is a bit of an unknown. They had a mixed performance in their friendlies and might struggle to deliver under the pressure of the first game.

[Cryptoprincess101]

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.

The South African team lacks composure and professionalism in their play; they are playing like if they lose that it will be the end for them. Just an opening match and they are already frightened. Well, even without those red cards Mexico would have still won the match because they played more comfortably while South Africa was playing with so much pressure and tension which cause them to lose two players to red card. The bookies already knew that Mexico can't lose against South Africa which is why they were such given such a low odd. South Africa started the world cup with a loss, i think they might not cross the group stages because there are no vibes and fighting spirit in them.

[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.

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.

i just checked, Ronaldo is 41 and Messi is 38. yeah this might be the last tournament for Ronaldo but i think Messi can make it to one more.

[Nightwatchmare]

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.

Yes, Quinones scored for Mexico on the 9 minutes. Mexico's performance is not even that brilliant but South Africa poor performance in the opening game of the 2026 world cup was the reason Mexico was better than tham.  South Africa has received a second red card in the world cup tournament and they are down to 8 men. Mexico was already winning South Africa 2:0 before they were shown a second red card and they could not use the advantage of playing against 8 men South Africa to score more goals in second half. The Mexico and South Africa game ended 2:0 in favour of Mexico.

[Lillominato89]

Mexico won the opening match 2-0 to comfortably secure all three points. For the first time ever, a World Cup opening match saw three red cards brandished—two for South Africa and one for Mexico—though I wouldn't say it was a dirty game. The late red card for Mexico was completely unnecessary, but the South African player was driving dangerously into the box and drew the foul from the Mexican defender.

I watched the match – the first half, to be honest – and I have to say that there have been far more interesting and, above all, more exciting matches in the past.
I’d say Mexico deserved the three points, as they were the team that put in the most effort and their technical ability was clearly superior.

[Muba20]

Mexico won the opening match 2-0 to comfortably secure all three points. For the first time ever, a World Cup opening match saw three red cards brandished—two for South Africa and one for Mexico—though I wouldn't say it was a dirty game. The late red card for Mexico was completely unnecessary, but the South African player was driving dangerously into the box and drew the foul from the Mexican defender.

I was hoping for at least one good game in the opening match but that didn't happen. Mexico was expected to win but South Africa couldn't put up any resistance. They conceded a goal in the first 8 minutes and I thought they would be able to recover from that situation but they didn't. Some unnecessary red cards created big problems for both teams in the next matches. I liked the performance of the Mexican team as they are doing well from the opening match. It will be interesting to see how they perform in the next match against South Korea.

[Odusko]

Mexico won the opening match 2-0 to comfortably secure all three points. For the first time ever, a World Cup opening match saw three red cards brandished—two for South Africa and one for Mexico—though I wouldn't say it was a dirty game. The late red card for Mexico was completely unnecessary, but the South African player was driving dangerously into the box and drew the foul from the Mexican defender.

I watched the match – the first half, to be honest – and I have to say that there have been far more interesting and, above all, more exciting matches in the past.
I’d say Mexico deserved the three points, as they were the team that put in the most effort and their technical ability was clearly superior.

Despite South Africa being the fav of most African, we have to applaud Mexico performance I the opening match, its indeed 3 points well deserved and a good way to start the World Cup although Mexican player's we displaying some unnoticed inconsistent balls control but when the first goal come in, their confidence level increased with more tithe defenses and front line pushing which later delivered the second goal which ended the match on  2:0.

[Felicity_Tide]

Mexico won the opening match 2-0 to comfortably secure all three points. For the first time ever, a World Cup opening match saw three red cards brandished—two for South Africa and one for Mexico—though I wouldn't say it was a dirty game. The late red card for Mexico was completely unnecessary, but the South African player was driving dangerously into the box and drew the foul from the Mexican defender.

I had to wait until full-time before coming to this board because I wasn't sure of what was going to happen in the game if I had drop a reply earlier. It was dramatic and decent. Not 100% entertaining, but I was pleased. I was literally laughing when the referee gave the last red card of the game. Too many clumsy challenge, but the officiating was not bad.

And as for Mexico, they actually played something decent. But what I noticed was that they were not creating quality chances from the wings. I was struggling to identify their wingers, not until after that 65mins substitute that was made. If they had used the wing more often in the first 60mins of the game, I think they would have scored more goals, because they were literally looking dangerous when attacking. And as for the South Africans, it was more of a physical game rather than a creative game. A couple of their shots on target only came from someone shooting from outside the box. Congrats to the Co-host/winners tonight, and onto the very next.

[Furious 7]

Mexico won the opening match 2-0 to comfortably secure all three points. For the first time ever, a World Cup opening match saw three red cards brandished—two for South Africa and one for Mexico—though I wouldn't say it was a dirty game. The late red card for Mexico was completely unnecessary, but the South African player was driving dangerously into the box and drew the foul from the Mexican defender.

I was hoping for at least one good game in the opening match but that didn't happen. Mexico was expected to win but South Africa couldn't put up any resistance. They conceded a goal in the first 8 minutes and I thought they would be able to recover from that situation but they didn't. Some unnecessary red cards created big problems for both teams in the next matches. I liked the performance of the Mexican team as they are doing well from the opening match. It will be interesting to see how they perform in the next match against South Korea.

This match was even more interesting than the red cards Not to make this look bad but honestly for the opening match I expected more but 3 red cards is brutal for a first match.

But even so Mexico did pretty well especially when they got the momentum in the first half with a quick goal and maximized the supporters advantage so they deserved the 3 points in this match.
Next match Korea against Czech, it's evenly matched for me but I'm expecting 3 points from Korea even though in terms of probability Czech is slightly ahead.

[KTChampions]

~We have two games scheduled for tomorrow, odds for which (from Winna.com) are as follows:

Republic of Korea x2.72 Vs Czechia x3.00; Draw x3.05
Canada x1.84 Vs Bosnia & Herzegovina x4.40; Draw x3.55

Czechia could be a decent pick. South Korea is a bit of an unknown. They had a mixed performance in their friendlies and might struggle to deliver under the pressure of the first game.

It seems to me that the Czech Republic and South Korea are well-known and solid teams. Therefore, their personal meeting is considered random. I think the probability of a draw here is above average, as both teams will not take risks in the first game. As for the second pairing, Canada is the clear favorite, both as hosts and in fact. Bosnia has arguably taken Italy's place, but they can't match the same level of football, so they'll likely fight for a draw.
Overall, we were lucky today - the opening match was bright and emotional.

[Miles2006]

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.

The South Africans have committed another foul and this time around it was the VAR that called on the referee to check, and the final verdict was a red card for them. They’re now down to 9 players and given the most chance to Mexico to take the lead more serious. Two red card in the opening game looks too harsh though. I never saw the second could as that which is suppose to be a red card but the referees verdict is the final.

Edit: The Mexican defender just also denied the South Africans a goal scoring opportunity and has also been shown the red card. Three red cards so far in the game and the game already in the extra minutes.

What a way to kickstart the FIFA World Cup, I would judge base on the ref’s perspective and it turns out all three red card given was a valid decision. I mean the second card was also needed viewing how the play was totally foul besides South Africa already loss the match after receiving the first red card, in as much as Mexico is not all that yet they tried to defeat South Africa although I didn’t enjoy watching the match probably I expected more not some kind of easy play meanwhile everything got so tough for South Africa.

[trendcoin]

Canada x1.84 Vs Bosnia & Herzegovina x4.40; Draw x3.55

Canada has the home-field advantage, but I don’t think Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves to be such a heavy underdog given the quality of their roster. A double-chance bet on a Bosnia and Herzegovina win or a draw might not be a bad option for this match. I think this will be a better game than the Mexico vs. South Africa match. Even if I don’t place a bet, I think I’ll watch the whole game...

[Berry2d]

Mexico won the opening match 2-0 to comfortably secure all three points. For the first time ever, a World Cup opening match saw three red cards brandished—two for South Africa and one for Mexico—though I wouldn't say it was a dirty game. The late red card for Mexico was completely unnecessary, but the South African player was driving dangerously into the box and drew the foul from the Mexican defender.

It is indeed a good game for Mexico, a game know one expected could end in such manner.  Before the game started know one believed Mexico could come out victoriously because of the promising nature of South Africa in the qualifying stage but at last the unpredictable happened and Mexico where able to capitalise of the golden opportunity given to them by there opponent South. 
Although I will say all happened  because of South Africa's team miscalculation before the game,  before entry to every game one must be able to understand the best approach that would yield positive results instead of going just to play.

[Amphenomenon]

Mexico won the opening match 2-0 to comfortably secure all three points. For the first time ever, a World Cup opening match saw three red cards brandished—two for South Africa and one for Mexico—though I wouldn't say it was a dirty game. The late red card for Mexico was completely unnecessary, but the South African player was driving dangerously into the box and drew the foul from the Mexican defender.

I watched the match – the first half, to be honest – and I have to say that there have been far more interesting and, above all, more exciting matches in the past.
I’d say Mexico deserved the three points, as they were the team that put in the most effort and their technical ability was clearly superior.

I didn't have to watch the game to know Mexico would win the game. It would have been shocking seeing them losing the game to South Africa, I don't often consider SA a solid team and Mexico are not really bad either and were at Home, being co-host of the world cup.

[Humblevirus]

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.

The South African team lacks composure and professionalism in their play; they are playing like if they lose that it will be the end for them. Just an opening match and they are already frightened. Well, even without those red cards Mexico would have still won the match because they played more comfortably while South Africa was playing with so much pressure and tension which cause them to lose two players to red card. The bookies already knew that Mexico can't lose against South Africa which is why they were such given such a low odd. South Africa started the world cup with a loss, i think they might not cross the group stages because there are no vibes and fighting spirit in them.

I was not expecting a better result from South Africa against Mexico, so I was not surprised by the way South Africa's performance looked tonight. Mexico was my favorite team to win this match, and that is exactly what happened.Even looking at both teams' recent friendly matches, it was clear that South Africa were not in good form to put up a better performance today. In almost all the matches they played, they either ended in draws or losses, compared to Mexico, who had won most of their recent games.yes it was not because of the red card that Mexico were able to win the match. Even before the red card, Mexico were already leading by a goal and were playing better than South Africa. In fact, I was even surprised that after the red card, Mexico managed to score only one more goal. I was expecting them to add at least two more goals.It was the result that most people expected, and that is exactly what happened.

[Alonso_]

Mexico won the opening match 2-0 to comfortably secure all three points. For the first time ever, a World Cup opening match saw three red cards brandished—two for South Africa and one for Mexico—though I wouldn't say it was a dirty game. The late red card for Mexico was completely unnecessary, but the South African player was driving dangerously into the box and drew the foul from the Mexican defender.

I watched the match – the first half, to be honest – and I have to say that there have been far more interesting and, above all, more exciting matches in the past.
I’d say Mexico deserved the three points, as they were the team that put in the most effort and their technical ability was clearly superior.

I didn't have to watch the game to know Mexico would win the game. It would have been shocking seeing them losing the game to South Africa, I don't often consider SA a solid team and Mexico are not really bad either and were at Home, being co-host of the world cup.

South Africa is a disgraceful country, how is it possible that they have to loose with two red card, my question is how did they qualify for the World Cup in the expense of Nigeria, Nigeria is also a disgraceful country, they should be playing in this World Cup and from what they’re playing, they’re supposed to be in the World Cup, South Africa is a disgrace to Africa, and Nigeria who are supposed to be here is also a disgrace to African.

Mexico is a superior team to Africa, I have been watching a spectacular team play from Mexico, and the awareness of football isn’t in Africa, Morocco is the only team that I’m watching perfectly, and I have seen them as a team that will even go very far in the World Cup.