World Cup 2026 hosts start unbeaten in opening matches

Mexico, USA and Canada Off to Promising Starts.

MIAMI – The FIFA World Cup 2026 is underway across North America in celebratory fashion for the three hosts, with Mexico, Canada and the United States picking up positive results in their opening encounters.

As the tournament inches closer to the second round of Group Stage matches, we look back at the World Cup start for the co-hosts.

Mexico gets clean sheet in colorful win at famed Mexico City Stadium

Following the pomp and circumstance of the inaugural ceremony at the formerly known Estadio Azteca, Mexico added more cause for celebration with a 2-nil victory against South Africa.

Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the 2026 edition in the 9’, finding the back of the net in his World Cup debut. Raúl Jiménez opened his account in the 67’ to end a scoring drought that has followed him since Brazil 2014, making for an emotional celebration.

Raúl Rangel collected his first clean sheet in the tournament for another successful debut.

Korea Republic’s 2-1 win over Czechia later in the day made for a start at the top of Group A for Mexico. Javier Aguirre’s meets Korea Republic in a battle for first place on Thursday, 9 PM ET (7 PM local), at Guadalajara Stadium.

Canada takes first point in World Cup history

Canada earned a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium to kick off its third ever World Cup appearance and its first as a host.

Cyle Larin struck in the 78’ to offset Jovo Lukić’s opening goal in the 21’ for the visitors. Larin became the second player to score at the World Cup for Canada to obtain his nation’s first point in the competition.

The Reds are back in their base camp of Vancouver, site of their next two matches in the Group Stage with sights set on first place, and a first World Cup victory. Canada will face Qatar on Thursday, 6 PM ET (3 PM local), at BC Place Vancouver.

USA off to electric start in victory over Paraguay

The United States of America was nearly perfect in its 4-1 victory against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium, in a must-see setting that featured Hollywood stars among the attendees, and red and white striped jerseys filling the stands.

Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie spearheaded the attack that led to a Damian Bobadilla own goal in the 7’.

Folarin Balogun took the mantle with a brace in his World Cup debut, striking with phenomenal composure in the 31’ and 45’+5’.

Mauricio took one back for Paraguay in the 73’, but Giovanni Reyna put a stamp on the victory in the 90’+8’ with a marvelous Trivela goal to open his World Cup account.

The Stars and Stripes will retake the field against Australia on Friday, 3 PM ET (12 PM local), at Seattle Stadium, with first place in Group D on the line.