AF World Cup Roundup: a dramatic opening night of red cards, comback and combats

Welcome to the All-New AF World Cup Roundup, your One-Stop Destination for World Cup News & Updates!

Matchday 1 Highlights:

Mexico 2-0 South Africa: A 3 reds opening drama as Jimenez & Quinones seize 3pts for the host

Mexico 2-0 South Africa: A 3 reds opening drama as Jimenez & Quinones seize 3pts for the host. Here is the match report.

South Korea 2-1 Czech: South Korea get off to winning start after rallying from goal down

Oh, Hwang goals see South Korea edge Czechia in thriller.

Key Stats Board:

Red cards mania? Stats about the dramatic opener between Mexico and South Africa

The opener of  WC 2026 has already finished as the host won the game. Here are some stats about it.

Jimenez breaks down in tears in emotional moment as he scores 1st WC goal months after dad died

MEXICO striker Raul Jimenez was brought to tears whilst celebrating his first-ever World Cup goal – just months after his dad died.

Sithole the 3rd to commit an error that leads to a goal & receive red in 1 match at WC since 1966

Sithole the 3rd to commit an error that leads to a goal & receive red in 1 match at WC since 1966.

Quinones scores 3rd fastest World Cup opening goal in 9 minutes

In the opening match of the FIFA World Cup against South Africa, Julián Quiñones scored the first goal for host nation Mexico.

Messi or Ronaldo could be first to play six World Cups after Ochoa misses opener

On June 11, in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup, Mexico's veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has participated in five World Cups, did not play. At that time, Messi and Ronaldo are both expected to become the first players to participate in six FIFA World Cup tournaments.

South Korea defeats European teams for third consecutive World Cup match

In the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1. This marks South Korea's third consecutive victory against European teams in the FIFA World Cup.

South Korea completes 4th World Cup comeback, most of any asian team

In a recently concluded FIFA World Cup Group A match, the South Korean team came from behind after conceding the first goal to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1, securing a strong start to the tournament.

Son's Stats: Most shots on goal, missed one big chance

In today's World Cup match, South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1. South Korean forward Son started the match, lost possession 9 times, and missed 1 big chance.

Oh Hyeon-Gyu makes World Cup debut, scores first goal off the bench

On the morning of June 12, in a FIFA World Cup group stage match, South Korea played against the Czech Republic. The game is currently in the 87th minute, with South Korea leading 2-1 against the Czech Republic.

Standings:

Group A First Round Standings: Mexico, South Korea lead with 3 points, Czech&South Africa 0 points

After the first round of Group A matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0, and South Korea beat the Czech Republic 2-1. Mexico and South Korea each earned three points, placing them in the top two spots of the group.

These Things Happen

OFFICIAL: José Mourinho as the first-team coach of Real Madrid until June 30, 2029

Florentino Pérez, has agreed to appoint José Mourinho as the first-team coach for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029. 

Here we go! Romano: Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid with 2 year deal plus 1 year option

According to Fabrizio Romano, Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid is confirmed.

Tagliafico doubtful for World Cup opener against Algeria due to discomfort

According to Argentinian media outlet Tycsports, Argentine defender Tagliafico is experiencing discomfort due to a contusion, which may affect his participation in the first FIFA World Cup match.

OFFICIAL: Abde and Aguerd miss the World Cup due to injury

According to FIFA's latest updates on squad list, Ez Abde, Real Betis's winger and Nayef Aguerd, Marseille's center back, will not join the national team in Morocco's World Cup campaign. 

Côte d'Ivoire fans to skip World Cup due to difficulties obtaining US visas

Côte d'Ivoire fans will forgo attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup in person due to difficulties obtaining visas for the United States. The president of the Côte d'Ivoire National Committee of Supporters criticized US immigration policies.

RMC: World Cup VAR can review yellow cards and corner kicks

According to RMC, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, and VAR will be expanded to more decision-making scenarios.

What They Say

Mexico Midfielder Lira: Three points are key, we have no ceiling

June 12th, according to L'Équipe, Mexican midfielder Lira expressed confidence after winning the opening match of the FIFA World Cup.

Mbappe: I'd accept not scoring if France wins the World Cup

French forward Mbappe was interviewed by M6 TV, discussing his role in the French national team and his FIFA World Cup goals. He stated that he would accept not scoring a single goal in this FIFA World Cup if it ensured winning the trophy, and he would also do his best to help France reach the final.

Alisson: I don't understand those who repeatedly question Brazil, it won't shake my confidence

Alisson attended the Brazilian national team's pre-match press conference, where he discussed his feelings about participating in his third FIFA World Cup, the changes in the team since Ancelotti's arrival, external doubts about him, the Brazilian team's defensive issues, and the significant influence of Taffarel on his career.

Win over Costa Rica 'exactly what England wished for', says Tuchel

England head coach Thomas Tuchel was "very proud" after his side's win over Costa Rica was "exactly what we wished for".

Pochettino: Only winning the World Cup will be considered success for the US, this is my obsession

In a press conference held in Los Angeles on June 11, US head coach Pochettino stated that for the US team, anything less than winning the FIFA World Cup this summer would not be considered a success, a sentiment that has become his obsession.

'The idea wasn't to win 5-0' – Martinez defends Portugal display against Nigeria

Roberto Martinez believes Portugal's World Cup warm-up against Nigeria went as planned, insisting "the idea wasn't to win 5-0".

Roy Keane: Portugal's defense is problematic, I rule them out of winning the title

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has ruled out Portugal winning the World Cup, naming France as his clear favourites to go all the way.

Fixtures of the Day

World Cup

Canada VS Bosnia-Herzegovina 2026/06/12 19:00 UTC

United States VS Paraguay 2026/06/13 01:00 UTC