The three host nations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have made strong starts to their campaigns, collecting seven points from a possible nine in their opening matches.
Mexico and the United States began with victories, while Canada earned a draw, ensuring all three co-hosts avoided defeat.
Mexico opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez secured all three points and made Mexico the first host nation to win a World Cup opener since Russia beat Saudi Arabia in 2018.
The victory also saw Mexico become the first country to host World Cup matches on three occasions, having previously staged games in 1970 and 1986.
Canada, meanwhile, came from behind to draw 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. Cyle Larin’s equaliser earned the hosts a point and secured Canada’s first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup.
The most convincing display came from the United States, who thrashed Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles. An own goal by Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla gave the hosts an early lead before Folarin Balogun scored twice and Giovanni Reyna added the fourth. Paraguay grabbed a late consolation when Mauricio found the back of the net in the 73rd minute.
The result was the United States’ biggest victory in a World Cup opening match and the highest goal tally by a host nation in a tournament opener since Germany’s 4-2 win over Costa Rica in 2006.
With two wins and a draw from their opening games, the three co-hosts have made an encouraging start as the biggest World Cup in history gathers pace across North America.
