2026 FIFA World Cup Kickoff: Simon Jordan discusses the growth of American soccer
Talksport presenter Simon Jordan discusses the 2026 FIFA World Cup kick-off in Mexico, highlighting its immense global and growing US influence. Jordan notes that football has become the third most popular sport in the United States, ahead of baseball and hockey. He is optimistic about the record tournament, which is expected to sell 6.5 million tickets, despite the difficulties encountered at the World Cup.
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The World Cup is underway, kicking off in Mexico, and the opening goal seemed like some sort of destiny.
Shortly after the Mexico City crowd gathered to sing the national anthem, Mexico scored the first goal of the tournament in just the ninth minute.
The field was tilted from the start, with Mexico having already won two corners, and on another move to the South African side found the back of the net.
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Julian Quinones celebrates with his teammates after scoring Mexico’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match against South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026. (Carl Recine/Getty Images)
A pass from the South African goalkeeper escaped from a teammate and was collected by Erik Lira. The ball was then collected by Julian Quinones, who took just one dribble towards midfield and fired a right-footed shot into the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Quinones ran to his bench and was mobbed by his teammates.
During its World Cup history, Mexico has won 14 of the 22 matches in which it scored first, and drawn five others.
The Estadio Azteca, renamed Mexico City Stadium for the tournament, hosted the tournament’s opening ceremonies, in which all 48 competing countries were represented. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was present in the building with the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
Julian Quinones celebrates Mexico’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match against South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, Mexico. (Hector Vivas/FIFA)
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Grammy Award winner Alejandro Fernandez sang the national anthem, while Mexican players surrounded each other and sang in unison. The crowd did the same and even a member of the Mexican honor guard was captured singing the national anthem.
Naturally, many were seen letting their tears fall or holding them back as best they could.
Thursday’s match in Mexico marked the first of 104 total matches until 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 they participated in a World Cup without reaching the round of 16. Aside from her ban in 1990 and failure to qualify in 1982, she made it past the group stage in nine consecutive World Cups in which she participated.
Mexican striker Julian Quinones celebrates his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A match against South Africa at Mexico Stadium, Mexico City, June 11, 2026. (Rodrigo Oropeza/AFP via Getty Images)
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He has never reached the semi-finals, the last time in the quarter-finals dating back to 1986.
