World Cup what to know: Mexico starts with big win while the US and Canada prepare for openers

Mexico kicked off the World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory against South Africa on Thursday, playing before a fervent home crowd at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

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What to expect from the U.S. team as the World Cup approaches

Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the ninth minute, finding the net through the legs of South Africa's goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The lead was doubled midway through the second half when veteran striker Raúl Jiménez headed home a cross. The goal was an emotional moment for Jiménez, who has overcome a fractured skull sustained in 2020, marking his first World Cup goal.

In another match on Thursday, South Korea staged a comeback to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in Guadalajara, Mexico, with all three goals occurring in an entertaining second half.

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Roger Bennett on what to expect at the World Cup

Friday will see the United States and Canada begin their World Cup journeys. Canada faces Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto, seeking their first World Cup win after previous group stage exits in 1986 and 2022. The Canadian team has seen significant improvement, rising to 30th in FIFA rankings since 2017, led by their career scoring leader, Jonathan David.

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World Cup players challenged by dangerously hot weather

The U.S. team, ranked 17th by FIFA, hopes to leverage home-soil advantage for a breakthrough. While they have reached the knockout rounds in four of their last six World Cups, they have not advanced past the quarterfinals. Coach Mauricio Pochettino, hired in 2024, leads a squad featuring key player Christian Pulisic, who is considered to be in his prime.

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What makes a winning World Cup anthem? Shakira, Wyclef Jean and others explain