2026 FIFA World Cup begins: Simon Jordan analyzes the growth of American soccer
Talksport presenter Simon Jordan discusses the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, highlighting its immense global and growing US influence. Jordan highlights the rise of soccer to the third most popular sport in the United States, surpassing baseball and hockey. He is optimistic about the record-breaking tournament, expected to sell 6.5 million tickets, despite the challenges of the last World Cup.
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The first of the 104 World Cup matches was won by the country that hosted the start of the tournament.
Mexico defeated South Africa, 2-0, in Mexico City after the Estadio Azteca hosted the opening ceremony of the World Cup.
Mexico was the best team from the jump, scoring in the ninth minute after having already taken two corner kicks.
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Raúl Jiménez celebrates with his teammates after scoring Mexico’s second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match against South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026. (Héctor Vivas/FIFA via Getty Images)
a pass of from south africa The goalkeeper escaped from a teammate and was intercepted by Erik Lira. Then the ball was taken by Julián Quiñones, who made just one dribble towards the center of the field and fired a right-footed shot into the back of the net, driving the crowd crazy.
Hopes of a South African comeback were dented when Yaya Sithole received a red card in the 50th minute for bringing down Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez in what would have been a breakaway.
From then on, South Africa played with 10 men, making it an even bigger mountain to climb.
Mexico’s players applaud the fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. (Angel Delgado/Getty Images)
MEXICO SCORES THE FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP AT HOME AFTER THE EMOTIONAL NATIONAL ANTHEM AT THE OPENING CEREMONY
The dagger came in the 67th minute, when Raúl Jiménez headed in a perfect cross from Roberto Alvarado, making it 2-0. Playing in his fourth World Cup, it was Jiménez’s first goal in the tournament’s history, and he couldn’t help but let his emotions out.
South Africa received another red card in the 84th minute and Mexico received one in the 92nd minute. South Africa’s Sithole and Themba Zwane, as well as Mexico’s Cesar Montes, will miss their upcoming matches against Czechia in Atlanta and Korea in Guadalajara, respectively.
In the history of the World Cups, Mexico has won 15 of the 23 games in which it scored first, tied five and lost three.
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The Azteca Stadium, renamed Mexico City Stadium for the tournament, held the tournament’s opening ceremony, during which everyone 48 competing countries were represented. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was in the building with the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
Mexican striker Julián Quiñones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A match against South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. (Rodrigo Oropeza/AFP via Getty Images)
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Mexico is coming off a disappointing trip to Qatar, as it was the first time since 1978 that it competed in a World Cup and did not reach the round of 16. Apart from his suspension in 1990 and his failure to qualify in 1982, he had survived the group stage in nine consecutive World Cups in which he participated.
