2026 FIFA World Cup begins: Simon Jordan analyzes the growth of American soccer
Talksport presenter Simon Jordan discusses the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, highlighting its immense global and growing US influence. Jordan highlights the rise of soccer to the third most popular sport in the United States, surpassing baseball and hockey. He is optimistic about the record-breaking tournament, expected to sell 6.5 million tickets, despite the challenges of the last World Cup.
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The World Cup is underway, the event begins in Mexico and the first objective seems to be a kind of destination.
Shortly after the crowd in Mexico City came together to sing the national anthem, Mexico scored the first goal of the tournament in just the ninth minute.
The field was tilted at the start, with Mexico already counting two corner kicks, and on another trip to the South African side of the field, found the back of the net.
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Julián Quiñones celebrates with his teammates after scoring Mexico's first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match against South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026. (Carl Recine/Getty Images)
A pass from the South African goalkeeper escaped to a teammate and was intercepted by Erik Lira. Then the ball was taken by Julián Quiñones, who made just one dribble towards the center of the field and fired a right-footed shot into the back of the net, causing the crowd to go into a frenzy.
Quiñones ran to his bench and was harassed by his teammates.
In its World Cup history, Mexico has won 14 of the 22 games in which it scored first, tying another five.
The Azteca Stadium, renamed Mexico City Stadium for the tournament, held the tournament's opening ceremony, during which all 48 participating countries were represented. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was in the building with the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Julián Quiñones celebrates scoring Mexico's first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match against South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, Mexico. (Héctor Vivas/FIFA)
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Grammy winner Alejandro Fernández sang the national anthem, while the Mexican players hugged and sang in unison. The crowd did the same, and even a member of the Mexican honor guard was caught singing the anthem.
Understandably, several were seen letting tears flow or holding them back as best they could.
Thursday's game in Mexico marked the first of 104 total games between now and the final at MetLife Stadium, or New York New Jersey Stadium, on July 19.
Mexico is coming off a disappointing trip to Qatar, as it was the first time since 1978 that it competed in a World Cup and did not reach the round of 16. Apart from his suspension in 1990 and his failure to qualify in 1982, he had survived the group stage in nine consecutive World Cups in which he participated.
Mexican striker Julián Quiñones celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A match against South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. (Rodrigo Oropeza/AFP via Getty Images)
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He never reached the semi-finals; The last time it reached the quarterfinals was in 1986.
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