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

It took more than an hour (and the bravery to swap off their most famous player), but Korea Republic ultimately got the result they deserved in their Group A opener on Thursday night in Zapopan.

Hwang In-Beom and substitute Oh Hyeon-Gyu scored in the 69th and 80th minutes, respectively, as the Taegeuk Warriors rallied from a goal down to their first win in Matchday 1 of World Cup group play since 2010.

Hwang's leveler was masterful, as he opened his hips to make a clever, fading run into the penalty area, received Lee Kang-in's pass, cut back across the sliding challenge of Robin Hranac, then sublimely chipped charging 'keeper Matej Kovar.

Oh's winner was visceral, a thumping first-time strike of Hwang's cross that caught the hand of Kovar but possessed too much power to be denied.

Czechia were far inferior in open play but posed an ever-present danger from restarts. It's how they went in front on 59 minutes when Ladislav Krejci headed in Vladimir Coufal's thow-in. And it nearly salvaged them a point when Adam Hlozek had an excellent look following a corner kick in the 83rd minute, only to be thwarted by the lunging Kim Seung-gyu at the near post.

Ultimately, though, Korea should emerge feeling confident they can advance from Group A and possibly top co-hosts Mexico. The only worry may be Son Heung-min's finishing, which remained fruitless in a national team jersey after his bizarre scoreless start to the 2026 MLS season. He was off shortly after Hwang's leveler, with Oh coming on as his replacement.

Great passing move finished off by Hyeon-gyu at the near post

Took less than 10 minutes for In-Beom to cooly cut through Czechia defense and chip the ball into the far side of the net. Game on

Goal from a throw-in? Goal from a throw-in. Long throw deposited by Krejci with powerful header

Kovar with excellent stop to deny Korean attacker from in close. STILL 0-0 in Guadalajara.

Great passing move around the box ends with a strong save from Czechia keeper Matej Kovar

Before a crowd decidedly in their favor in Zapopan, Mexico, Korea Republic certainly had the better of their first 45 minutes of the 2026 World Cup against Czechia, but entered halftime with nothing to show for it. 

For all their enterprise, the Taegeuk Warriors put only one effort on frame, Lee Kang-in's 35-yard strike that forced an acrobatic, but ultimately comfortable stop from Matej Kovar. Son Heung-min also had two good looks in the latter stages of the half but failed to hit the target on either one.

Czechia may be satisfied enough to escape their first half of World Cup finals play since 2006, when they were a major thorn in the United States' side in group play. As for the Koreans, this may feel eerily familiar; they haven't scored in the first half of their World Cup opener since Lee Jung-soo's 7th-minute tally in a 2-0 win over Greece in 2010.

Great move inside from LAFC forward but can't quite get the bend on the shot to get it inside the post. Still 0-0.

...first 25 minutes have been a bit slow in Guadalajara

Great atmosphere in Mexico welcomes Asian and European sides

Teams are in for second game of World Cup 2026. LAFC's Son Heung-min starts up front for Korea Republic.

The World Cup bringing people together from all over the globe

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, we 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 dismissals. 

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. (Themba Zwane). It's a remarkable turn of events, considering there were just four 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 then sent off.

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.

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.

The 35-year-old forward had to fight back the tears after giving Mexico a 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 that 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 in to 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.