World Cup 2026 live updates: Bay Area braces for high-priced USA World Cup match

The U.S. has opened its first home World Cup in 32 years with a dynamic 4-1 victory over Paraguay.

Folarin Balogun scored twice in the Americans' historic three-goal first half.

Christian Pulisic had an assist in a stellar first-half playmaking performance for the Americans, who enthralled their Southern California fans with an aggressive attack while streaking to a 3-0 halftime lead.

Gio Reyna ripped another goal in the dying moments of second-half injury time, giving the Americans four goals in a World Cup match for the first time.

The U.S. scored only three goals combined in Qatar four years ago.

South Korea beat Czechia 2-1 in a thrilling Group A game in Mexico on Thursday night.

South Korea went down 1-0 after a goal by Ladislav Krejci in the 59th minute but then scored twice to come away with three points. A goal by Oh Hyeon-Gyu in the 80th minute proved to be the difference.

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.