Messi and Rodri speak before Argentina-Spain World Cup final

The opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America saw the host nation United States defeat Mexico 2‑1 in a tightly contested group‑stage encounter at MetLife Stadium, with goals from Christian Pulisic in the 23rd minute and a late winner by Jordan Morris in the 88th. Mexico’s lone strike came from Hirving Lozano’s header before halftime, but a defensive lapse allowed the United States to capitalize in the closing stages. Post‑match reactions highlighted the United States’ efficient transition play and Mexico’s resilience, while both coaches praised their squads’ tactical discipline and noted areas for improvement ahead of the next round of group fixtures.

Looking ahead, the United States will face Uruguay in their second group match on June 24, while Mexico is slated to play against South Korea on June 25, both matches taking place in New Jersey and Texas respectively. Organizers confirmed that the quarter‑finals will commence on July 5, with venues rotating among the ten host cities to accommodate the expanded 48‑team format. The tournament’s early stages have already drawn significant global viewership, setting the stage for a competitive second half of the group phase and a highly anticipated knockout round.