World Cup 2026 live updates: Bay Area hosts World Cup matches at Levi's Stadium

Mexico's 2-0 win over South Africa brought joy to El Tri's army of fans.

"Let's go for more," Isidro Martínez, an excited 36-year-old businessman, said after Mexico took the lead early in the first half.

Martínez, his brother, and a friend were among the throngs of people who watched the match at a fan fest in Mexico City's main square. It was one of 18 in cities throughout Mexico.

At the Angel monument on one of the capital's main avenues, hundreds of fans watched as Mexico doubled its lead in the second half of a choppy game that ended with three red card ejections, including one for a Mexican player.

"We are going to win my friend, We're going for it all!" screamed Gerry Legarreta, a 52-year-old American who traveled from the Texas border city of El Paso to celebrate his birthday while watching the game.

In front of him, a group of people, including children, danced in a circle waving the Mexican flag. On the other side of the traffic circle, a band added to the raucous atmosphere by banging drums and playing trumpets.

In Tacuba, an area in northern Mexico City, Irene Rosell Soriano cheered on El Tri from a wheelchair, her legs covered by the Mexican flag.

"These are the final games of my life," said Rosell Soriano, who at age 92, was probably the oldest fan at that watch party. "And, well, I have to enjoy them."

Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez helped Mexico make an exuberant start to the World Cup on Thursday, scoring a goal each in a 2-0 win over South Africa in the opening match of the tournament.

With a capacity crowd of 80,824 watching at the iconic Azteca Stadium, co-host Mexico started the largest World Cup tournament in history by getting goals in each half while three red cards were shown - two for South Africa and one for Mexico.

Quiñones, who was the top scorer in the Saudi league this season, gave Mexico the lead in the ninth minute. Jiménez added the second goal on a header in 66th.

South Africa players Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both given red cards, forcing the team to finish the match with only nine players. Mexico defender César Montes was then given a red card in injury time.

With his 46th international goal, and his first in three World Cups, Jiménez tied Jared Borgetti for second place for the Mexican national team. He is six goals shy of leader Javier "Chicharito" Hernández.

Quiñones, a 29-year-old forward who was born in Colombia, was one of six starting players who made their World Cup debut for El Tri.

Mexico, coming of a first-round exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has three points in Group A and will next play South Korea next Thursday in Guadalajara.

South Africa will play the Czech Republic on the same day in Atlanta.

This year's World Cup has 48 teams, the most in history. It is being held in Mexico, Canada and the United States.

The World Cup has officially kicked off after a spectacular show Thursday in Mexico City where El Tri scored twice to beat South Africa 2-0.

The largest World Cup in tournament history kicks off Thursday with co-host Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match.

Amid escalating protests and social tensions in Mexico's capital, more than 80,000 fans were making their way to Mexico City Stadium - better known as Azteca Stadium. It got a much-needed facelift ahead of the 48-team tournament that Mexico is hosting alongside the United States and Canada.

The iconic venue will be the first stadium to host three World Cup openers - after doing so in the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.

Starting on June 11, fans can watch matches for free from more than 30 locations as well as participating sports bars around the Bay Area. The Golden State Warriors and Valkyries' Thrive City big screen at Chase Center is one, along with China Basin at Mission Rock near the San Francisco Giants' ballpark. Also, PIER 39 should provide a picturesque backdrop for games.

In the East Bay, the independent Oakland Ballers team will host games at its home field of Raimondi Park. The famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is another spot.

"The FIFA World Cup 2026 is about bringing communities together and celebrating the beautiful game in every corner of our region," said Zaileen Janmohamed, President & CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee. "We're harnessing the breadth, diversity, and natural beauty of the entire Bay Area to ensure that no matter where you live or visit, you'll have access to fun, community celebrations. This regional approach reflects our commitment to inclusivity and gives every county and community the opportunity to activate and be part of this historic moment."

For a full list of events, click here.