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The FIFA World Cup 2026 got up and running in a dramatic game as Mexico beat South Africa.
Co-hosts Mexico won 2-0 in Mexico City but that does not tell the whole story.
Indeed, for the first time since 1998, there were three red cards shown in a single World Cup game.
Words cannot quite do it as justice, so here are five pictures you need to see after the World Cup began in dramatic fashion…
Shakira and Burna Boy perform at opening ceremony
The opening ceremony included a few big names, though few come bigger in a World Cup context than Colombian superstar Shakira.
Shakira is a World Cup legend and her 2010 hit ‘Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)’ recorded for that year’s tournament in South Africa is still played today.
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Photo by Europa Press Sports/Europa Press via Getty Images
She joined forces with Nigerian artist Burna Boy to record the official anthem for this year’s tournament. That song is called ‘Dai Dai’ and roughly translates to “Let’s go” or “Come on” in English.
Julian Quinones scores first of many World Cup 2026 goals
With more games than ever at this year’s tournament, this edition will almost certainly break records for most goals scored.
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Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Someone had to go first and that honor fell to Mexico star Julian Quinones, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah FC.
In truth, the forward was gifted the goal after a mix-up from the South African defence but that would not have mattered to him or the millions of Mexico fans watching on.
Pure joy.
Raul Jimenez scores emotional World Cup goal
There can be fewer better feelings than scoring for your country at a World Cup but for Mexico forward Raul Jimenez, it must have been particularly sweet.
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Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
The striker, who was recently returned to English Championship club Wolves, suffered a serious head injury back in 2020 and recently lost his father.
There were emotional scenes inside the stadium and it was a reminder of the power soccer has.
Heartbreak for South Africa
World Cups can make legacies but they can also create nightmares.
Every four years or so, international teams who perhaps don’t attract a huge amount of viewership out of their respective nations are put on the grandest stage of them all.
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Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
It’d be fair to say that South Africa’s performance left a lot to be desired. Their campaign got off to a nightmare start and they are now under major pressure to respond in their next game against Czechia.
Home comforts as Mexico fans celebrate
The thousands of Mexico fans inside Mexico City Stadium (otherwise known as Estadio Azteca) were treated to quite the opening game.
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Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
While the last World Cup was little short of a misery for Mexico, this one began in emphatic fashion.
Supporters were in jubilant spirits inside of one of the world’s most iconic stadiums as the World Cup kicked off in brilliant style for them.
Read more:
Five things we learned from World Cup opening ceremony
World Cup suspension rules as Mexico vs South Africa sees three red cards
South Africa set 20-year World Cup record in defeat to Mexico
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