The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially began on June 11 with Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 at Azteca Stadium in a match that saw a record three red cards. Now attention turns to the United States men’s national team, which faces Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12 at 9 PM ET in their opening tournament match.
The opening day of the World Cup delivered drama and goals as Mexico and South Korea both secured victories to start the tournament. The U.S. team, led by coach Mauricio Pochettino and featuring star midfielder Christian Pulisic, enters the competition as the 17th-ranked team in FIFA standings against 47th-ranked Paraguay.
Mexico Dominates Opening Match in Historic Fashion
Mexico made a statement in the tournament opener, securing a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa in front of 80,824 fans at Azteca Stadium. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez found the back of the net for El Tri, giving coach Javier Aguirre exactly the start he wanted for the host nation.
The match will be remembered for producing a World Cup opening match record of three red cards. South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off during the game, while Mexico’s César Montes received his marching orders in injury time.
Despite the disciplinary issues on both sides, Mexico dominated proceedings. Coach Aguirre reflected on the performance with measured satisfaction.
“We didn’t play well in the first half, but we could have gone into the break leading 3-0 and no one would have complained — we were far superior,” Aguirre said. “In the second half, it felt like we relaxed a bit, but starting with a win is good, and we can certainly improve.”
South Korea Comes From Behind to Beat Czechia
The second match of the tournament saw South Korea mount an impressive comeback to defeat Czechia 2-1 at Guadalajara Stadium. Czechia captain Ladislav Krejci opened the scoring in the 59th minute, but the Asian side responded with determination.
Hwang In-beom equalized for South Korea in the 67th minute, setting up a tense finish. Oh Hyeon-gyu then delivered the winner in the 80th minute, securing three points for the team featuring star player Heung-Min Son.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo praised his players for their mental resilience after falling behind.
“It was our first game and a very difficult one. The win itself makes me happy, but what’s even more positive is that our boys won by not giving up,” Hong said. “I knew that we were more than capable of winning, so at 1-1, I told the boys to keep playing the way we’ve been playing.”
USA Faces Paraguay in Los Angeles Tonight
The United States begins its 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12 at 9 PM ET in Los Angeles. The match carries significant weight for a squad often referred to as the Golden Generation, playing on home soil with expectations running high.
The U.S. team enters the tournament ranked 17th by FIFA, while Paraguay returns to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years at 47th in the rankings. The two teams met recently, with the USMNT defeating Paraguay 2-1 in a November friendly match.
Christian Pulisic, the 27-year-old Pennsylvania native who plays for AC Milan, will be central to American hopes. The midfielder acknowledged the unique pressure of competing in a World Cup on home soil but expressed a desire to embrace the moment.
“I think no matter what, wherever you’re playing, in the World Cup there’s pressure,” Pulisic said. “I’m just going to try to live in the moment and enjoy the best I can.”
Coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was hired by U.S. Soccer in 2024, has assembled a 26-man squad for the tournament. Defender Chris Richards returns to the team after missing pre-tournament friendlies due to injury, providing a boost to the American backline.
Canada Opens Campaign Against Bosnia-Herzegovina
Also on June 12, Canada faces Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto at 3 PM ET. The Canadians enter ranked 30th in FIFA standings and feature prolific striker Jonathan David, who has scored 39 goals in 77 matches for his country.
David, who plays his club football for Juventus, will be expected to lead the Canadian attack as they look to make an impact in their World Cup campaign.
Players to Watch: Kylian Mbappé Leads France Hopes
Among the tournament’s most anticipated players is France forward Kylian Mbappé, featured as the final entry in NBC’s countdown of 26 players to watch at the 2026 World Cup. The 27-year-old scored 24 goals for Real Madrid this season and remains one of the most dynamic talents in world football.
Mbappé was part of the France team that won the 2018 World Cup and scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina, though France ultimately lost that match. The French star has set his sights on redemption in 2026.
“We have to take that disappointment and transform it into motivation to try to truly change the course of history, and to give ourselves the opportunity to reach another final, which will be extremely difficult, and to try to bring back the third star,” Mbappé said.
What We Know So Far
The 2026 World Cup is officially underway following the June 11 opening ceremony and first matches. Mexico has secured three points with their 2-0 victory over South Africa, while South Korea also claimed a win by defeating Czechia 2-1.
The tournament has already produced a historic moment with three red cards in the opening match, a record for World Cup openers. Attendance at Azteca Stadium reached 80,824 for the Mexico versus South Africa clash.
The United States and Canada both begin their World Cup journeys on June 12, with Paraguay and Bosnia-Herzegovina as their respective opponents.
What Happens Next
The 2026 World Cup continues with multiple matches scheduled for June 12. The USA faces Paraguay at 9 PM ET in Los Angeles, while Canada takes on Bosnia-Herzegovina at 3 PM ET in Toronto.
Mexico and South Korea will both look to build on their opening victories in their second group stage matches as the tournament progresses.
Important Details
For fans following the tournament, the key information for the upcoming USA match includes the 9 PM ET kickoff time in Los Angeles on June 12. The USMNT roster includes 26 players, with Christian Pulisic and returning defender Chris Richards among the squad members.
Paraguay has not appeared at a World Cup in 16 years, making this a significant return to the global stage for the South American nation.
Canada’s match begins earlier in the day at 3 PM ET in Toronto, giving North American fans two matches to follow featuring home nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does USA play Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup?
The USA faces Paraguay at 9 PM ET on June 12, 2026, in Los Angeles.
What was the score of Mexico’s World Cup opener?
Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 at Azteca Stadium. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored the goals for Mexico.
How many red cards were shown in the World Cup opening match?
Three red cards were issued during Mexico versus South Africa, a record for a World Cup opening match. South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane and Mexico’s César Montes were all sent off.
When did Paraguay last appear at the World Cup?
Paraguay returns to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years for the 2026 tournament.
The 2026 World Cup continues to unfold across venues in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with host nations Mexico and the USA both seeking strong starts to their campaigns on home soil.
