Last night at the World Cup: Raul Jimenez’s tearful celebration
Raul Jimenez was a used substitute in 2014, 2018 and 2022. He has fought back to form following a fractured skull in 2020 that put his career in jeopardy. And he may have thought that the chance to score a World Cup goal would never arrive.
But on home turf the striker, who is now El Tri’s main man, headed home in familiar style to double Mexico’s advantage. The outpouring of joy and relief was a sight to behold. Jimenez raced towards a corner flag with tears in his eyes, no doubt remembering his father who passed away in March.
In a World Cup where it is impossible not to be cynical, this moment was an antidote.
Mexico’s Raul Jimenez celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal (AP)
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 09:31
Last night at the World Cup: Red cards overshadow opener
It did not seem to be a particularly dirty game but Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio was equally left with no option but to dole out three separte red cards. The first went to Yaya Sithole, who was already at fault for gifting Mexico’s Colombian-born breakout star Julian Quinones the opening goal, after he denied a clear goalscoring opportunity early in the second period by bringing down Brian Gutierrez a yard outside the box.
There was much confusion around a VAR check before substitute Themba Zwane was dismissed for placing his hand in the face of Roberto Alvarado in an off-the-ball wrestle – although when replays were finally broadcast it seemed a cut and dry decision. And then Mexico left back Cesar Montes cynically stopped a counterattack from Khuliso Mudau and was given his marching orders for another DOGSO challenge in the final moments.
There were only four red cards in the entire 2022 World Cup. How many will be shown between now and July 19?
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 09:16
Last night at the World Cup: Empty seats in Guadalajara for South Korea v Czech Republic
After Fifa’s ticket price controversy, the consequence appears to be the prospect of thousands of empty seats at games over the course of the next few weeks.
Despite an entertaining Group A contest between South Korea and Czech Republic, empty seats at the Estadio Akron underlined the problem with spiralling costs thanks to dynamic pricing, with a reported 180,000 tickets remaining listed across Fifa’s official resale portals ahead of the tournament.
Empty seats are seen in the stands during the match (Reuters)
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 09:01
Fox criticised over World Cup 2026 coverage after missing Shakira and action during hydration breaks
US broadcaster Fox has come under fire for its coverage of the first World Cup game between Mexico and South Africa after repeated cuts to advertisements meant audiences missed parts of the action.
The television broadcast also missed the entirety of Shakira’s performance in the opening ceremony before the game which also disgruntled viewers.
Michael Jones12 June 2026 08:49
Christian Pulisic embraces pressure of leading US against Paraguay in World Cup opener
Christian Pulisic, the most accomplished and famous player on his national team, faces a unique confluence of talent and timing as the United States hosts the World Cup 2026.
Pulisic does not shy from the spotlight that will glare more brightly than ever in the next few weeks. In fact, he repeated Thursday that this challenge is “what I’ve always wanted.”
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 08:37
Will Scott McTominay be fit for Scotland’s opening game against Haiti?
Scott McTominay sat out Scotland training on Thursday as Steve Clarke continued his preparations for Sunday’s World Cup opener against Haiti.
The 29-year-old Napoli midfielder was conspicuous by his absence at the Atrium Heath Training Centre in Charlotte, North Carolina after going down with a stomach complaint.
And McTominay also travelled separately to Boston, where the the Scots get their Group C campaign under way during the early hours of Sunday morning.
Dinamo Zagreb defender Scott McKenna, also 29, was another absentee as he nursed a knock.
However, both men are expected to be fit.
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 08:25
England’s Harry Kane relishing ‘best opportunity in my career’ to win the World Cup
England captain Harry Kane says the campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico is ‘probably the best opportunity’ for him to win the World Cup.
Kane enters the tournament on the back of a superb domestic season in which he scored 61 goals and created seven assists for Bayern Munich. Those stats, alongside triumphs in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Cup, make Kane a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or but he will need a strong World Cup campaign to remain in contention.
Michael Jones12 June 2026 08:13
Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
“This hydration break is powered by Powerade,” roared Fox Sports commentator Ian Darke, as the first game of the World Cup stopped after 24 minutes so players could take on water. The temperature in Mexico City was 23C, constituting a relatively mild day in the Mexican summer. But if we’ve learnt one thing over the past few weeks, it’s that this is not a tournament to miss out on a fast buck.
Fox Sports, of course, used the three-minute break to show lucrative advertising. Powerade is Fifa’s official sports drink and once it had its moment on screen, Fox cut to adverts for AT&T (telecoms), Michelob Ultra (light beer), Lowe’s (home improvements) and FanDuel (sports betting). When the break ended, it cut back to find the players preparing to restart. Why anyone needs three minutes to glug some water has not been explained.
Lawrence Ostlere, in Los Angeles12 June 2026 08:05
When are the US and Canada opening ceremonies and who is performing?
The wait for the 2026 World Cup is over, with Shakira and Burna Boy lighting up Mexico City before the first game – but the tournament still has two more opening ceremonies to perform thanks to the unprecedented nature of its setup.
This year’s finals are the first to be hosted by multiple countries, with the United States, Canada and Mexico all staging the competition, boasting the elusive element of home advantage for football’s greatest showpiece.
Three host nations means three separate opening ceremonies for each of their opening games, as is traditionally done, with the trio roping in A-list artists and other performers to set the tone for the biggest event on the football calendar.
Will Castle12 June 2026 08:01
Raul Jimenez gives Mexico ‘very special moment’ in tearful World Cup celebration for late father
Raul Jimenez provided Mexico with a “very special moment” to kick off the World Cup 2026 for the co-hosts in a 2-0 victory over South Africa, which included three red cards.
The 35-year-old was emotional after his father died aged 62 just three months ago, with pundits Thierry Henry and former teammate Javier Hernandez paying tribute to him.
Jack Rathborn12 June 2026 07:49