World Cup 2026 Live Updates, Scores, Highlights and News for June 11

El Tri fans absolutely loving opening game performance from host nation

Three! In one game! The opener! On pace for 312 red cards in 2026...

¡Viva México!

Outside of Cesar Montes' red card in injury time, El Tri couldn't have had a better start to their 2026 World Cup, cruising to a 2-0 win over South Africa at a rabid Estadio Azteca.

Speaking of red cards, hope you like them, because this match featured three in total. It's the first opening match in World Cup tournament history to feature three red cards. 

Bafana Bafana completely lost their composure with their two red cards in the half, one in the 49th minute (Sphephelo Sithole) and one in the 84th minute. (ThembaZwane). It's a remarkable turn of events, considering there were just 4 red cards throughout the entirety of the 2022 World Cup. Raúl Jiménez capitalized with a 67th-minute header after an inch-perfect cross from Roberto Alvarado, putting the game away for good.

The South Africans really struggled with passing out from the back, as nerves and a tenacious Mexican press caused the guests all sorts of trouble. Sithole will want to forget his World Cup experience, as he was at fault for Quiñones' goal and was red-carded.

The Mexicans top Group A and will look to clinch qualification in their next match against Korea Republic next Thursday. South Africa faces a must-not-lose situation next Thursday against Czechia and will need to find a way to mentally rebound after a crushing defeat.

B/R's 2026 World Cup live blog will continue shortly with the nightcap as the Republic of Korea takes on Czechia at 10 p.m. EST. 

Chaos in Mexico City as César Montes sent off after being last man back on South Africa break.

Reckless play sees South Africa down to nine men after violent conduct by Themba Zwane.

35-year-old forward had to fight back the tears after giving Mexico the 2-0 lead vs. South Africa.

Jiménez with the clean header from in close to double lead for El Tri. Up 2-0, up a man...hosts having a party at Azteca 🥳

Sphephelo Sithole is sent off for a denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity, and the African nation is down a man. Big break for El Tri.

Just spending a quick moment going back to the opening intros with amazing Chicago Bulls theme

Well, what a start to the 2026 World Cup as El Tri have dominated the first half and will be pleased with their 1-0 lead at the break. The Mexicans have high-pressed effectively -- Julián Quiñones' 9th-minute goal being the perfect example -- and have looked relatively comfortable on the ball. The only disappointment for the home side would be that they weren't able to extend their advantage.

South Africa managed just a single shot on goal and have been second-best throughout the match. But being down by just a single goal gives Bafana Bafana hope that they could still nick something out of this. All to play for in the second half for both sides.

Yep, the game stopped for 3+ minutes for the players to hydrate...and for a commercial break. New era of football!

Scenes after Julián Quiñones scores the first goal at World Cup 2026. Estadio Azteca goes wildddd 😍

Quiñones pounces on terrible play at the back to give El Tri the early 1-0 lead in front of home fans.

Great save by Williams to keep El Tri off the board in the early stages of the first half.

Mexico and South Africa have kicked off the opening game of the tournament from Estadio Azteca. Stay RIGHT HERE for all highlights and big moments from the World Cup 🏆

The party has started in Mexico City and we are just MOMENTS from kickoff between Mexico and South Africa...

Full starting XIs for both teams for the opening game of the World Cup! Any surprises?

Looking at which nations have the best chance to take home the trophy and which player will score the most goals 👀

Estadio Azteca set for stunning card display to open game between Mexico and Korea Republic

World Cup 2026 is hours from starting. While you wait, dig into our expert predictions for the tournament and see how we think the tournament will unfold.

The long wait is over. 48 nations. 104 games. It all starts today.

We ranked the Top 99 stars playing in the World Cup. See which ones are in action today and who you should be tuning into watch in the coming days.

And if you want to see where legends like Messi, Ronaldo and Modric rank all time, we've got you covered. Click to see our list of the 99 greatest soccer players of all time.

We ranked all 48 teams in the tournament. Click in to see where Mexico, South Africa, South Korea and Czechia landed.