It’s quite naive to think that Arsenal’s loss in the Champions League might put a damper on their mood heading into the World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup finally kicked off on Thursday after what felt like an eternity of waiting. Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and the Czech Republic were among those starting the tournament, which is expected to be the largest World Cup hosted in North America—not just because of the number of teams.
No matter if you’re a casual fan or someone who’s really passionate about the sport, the World Cup has an infectious energy. It’s uniting people from different corners of the globe. Think of it like New York rallying behind the Knicks during the NBA Finals, but on a much bigger global scale.
In Guadalajara, for instance, locals celebrate alongside Koreans who have traveled hundreds or thousands of miles, and you can spot them mingling with Canadians and Bosnians in Toronto before the matches. This is the magic the World Cup brings to life. Tim Howard mentioned to SB Nation that “people like us aren’t ready for what’s in store; it’s going to exceed expectations and be chaos in the best possible way.” Well, let’s hope so!
Of course, it’s not all fun and games. There’s a lot of political and social background noise surrounding the tournament. While sports often aim to stand apart from these issues, it’s nearly impossible to fully escape them. But the focus on the field has the chance to overshadow those conversations, and Thursday certainly provided a glimpse of better things to come.
Mexican Moments in Azteca
Despite struggles in recent years, the Mexican national team, led by Julián Quiñones and Raul Jiménez, kicked off the tournament by uniting the fans at the Estadio Azteca.
One wouldn’t have guessed that Mexico could win the opening game of the World Cup, especially considering past performances—but it seems they’ve broken that curse, truly becoming contenders this time around.
Quiñones, playing for Al Cadsia, scored the opening goal, making history as the first Concacaf player to score in a World Cup opener. His achievement echoes those of players like Philipp Lahm and Siphiwe Tshabalala.
Interestingly, this match was a rematch of the 2010 World Cup. Tshabalala and the iconic commentary by Peter Drury have left a lasting impression, and it was fitting that Quiñones joined in a celebration reminiscent of that moment.
If the game had ended right there, it would have still felt like a well-written story. But Jiménez later added to the excitement by scoring his first World Cup goal for El Tri, wearing a protective head guard due to a serious injury he faced that nearly ended his career. That moment, scoring in front of home fans, is one he’ll remember forever, along with his teammates and fans across the nation.
And let’s not forget the unique sight of ducks strutting around in their Mexican jerseys—that’s something you just have to see!
Dramatic Comeback Against Korea and Czech Republic
No World Cup is complete without its fair share of drama!
While Mexico had a relatively smooth victory with just a few red cards, the second match was tense. The stakes were high; winning would significantly improve the chances for either South Korea or the Czech Republic to advance.
South Korea boasted star players like Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, but star power doesn’t guarantee success in tournaments. The Koreans started strong in the first half, striving to push their strategy, but couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities. The Czechs capitalized first with their opening goal.
After an impressive throw in during the second half, Ladislav Krejci scored with a header, giving the Czech Republic a 1-0 lead. For those familiar with the recent narratives, this could be a preview of what’s to come this summer.
Without losing momentum, Korea ramped up their effort, with Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyun-gyu netting two goals in a matter of minutes to turn the game around, leaving Estadio Akron with all three points—a thrilling introduction to what may be late-game dramas this tournament.
Don’t Miss This World Cup
A key reason the World Cup holds such special significance is the incredible sound that erupts from the stadium when a goal is scored. It’s the purest sound in all sports.
For instance, Madison Square Garden echoed with emotion when OG Anunoby made a pivotal play in the NBA Finals, but nothing compares to the atmosphere of a goal being scored on such a grand international stage. Whether you’re watching from home, at a bar, in a communal gathering, or right at the match, soak in all that this World Cup entails.
This event only happens once every four years. If you’re in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, it might be a long wait until the next World Cup visits your country.
As Howard himself wisely said, “I’m always discussing my role as a minority owner of the Houston Dynamo and Dash. If you can, grab a ticket. But if that’s not in the cards, hit the town and witness the festivities. The Dutch fans, probably the wildest in soccer, will be in Houston, and it’s going to be unforgettable.”
