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Time:2026-06-12T05:09:08Z

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off in Mexico with an opening ceremony featuring Shakira and widespread celebrations. South Korea staged a dramatic comeback victory over Czech Republic in the tournament's opening match. Mexico's emotional World Cup return after 40 years has been marked by both excitement and organizational challenges. Meanwhile, the NBA Finals saw the Knicks complete a historic 29-point comeback against the Spurs to take a 3-1 series lead.

South Korea stage comeback win over Czech Republic in World Cup opener

South Korea stage comeback win over Czech Republic in World Cup openerSouth Korea came from behind to defeat Czech Republic 2-1 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Hwang starred for the Koreans, scoring one goal and setting up another after a slow start. The Czechs took the lead first but could not hold off South Korea's relentless possession and pressure. The result gives South Korea a strong start in their World Cup campaign.

Sources:
South Korea fight back to beat Czech Republic (Sky Sports)
How South Korea claimed deserved win in World Cup opener (Sky Sports)
South Korea come from behind to beat Czech Republic (BBC)
South Korea stage late comeback to beat Czechia on World Cup opening day (Al Jazeera)
Fifa World Cup: Hwang stars as South Koreans snatch 2-1 comeback win over CzechsKoreans control possession in their tournament opener but waste numerous chances and fall behind before Hwang scores and then turns provider. (SCMP)

Mexico's World Cup return marked by emotion and chaos

Mexico's World Cup return marked by emotion and chaosMexico's first World Cup in 40 years has brought celebrations across the country, but organizational issues have also surfaced. Raul Jimenez's emotional journey from a near-death injury to World Cup hero has captured global attention. Meanwhile, logistical problems and a lack of readiness in some areas have tempered the excitement. The tournament still promises to deliver football drama that transcends the off-field challenges.

Sources:
From near death to World Cup hero - Jimenez's tears for Mexico (BBC)
Mexico celebrates after Sithole’s lonely walk highlights SA’s World Cup struggles (SCMP)
Excitement, chaos: Mexico set, but not so ready, for first World Cup in 40 yearsOrganisational issues abound and ‘nowhere looks special’ but the capital is in carnival mode and the football, as usual, will make it all OK. (SCMP)
Mexico send a telling reminder of what the World Cup must never lose (The Independent)

World Cup 2026 action opens across North America

World Cup 2026 action opens across North AmericaThe 2026 World Cup kicked off across North America with high anticipation ahead of the tournament's first full matchday. CNN highlighted everything fans can expect from opening day celebrations and match schedules. The Independent and SCMP recapped the key moments from day one, including Shakira's performance and Mexico's opening match victory. The tournament marks football's return to North America after decades.

Sources:
Here’s everything you can expect from World Cup kickoff day (CNN)
The Beautiful Game is coming to North America and the World Cup is just 3 days away (CNN)
While you were sleeping, World Cup edition: Shakira struts, Mexico score, 3 see redThe 2026 World Cup is under way, and for those of you who didn’t get up at 3am, here’s what happened overnight. (SCMP)
Everything you missed from day one at World Cup 2026 (The Independent)

Shakira headlines spectacular World Cup opening ceremony

Shakira headlines spectacular World Cup opening ceremonyThe 2026 World Cup opening ceremony at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium featured a star-studded performance led by global pop icon Shakira. The ceremony blended traditional Mexican culture with modern entertainment, setting a celebratory tone for the tournament. Despite some scattered protests nearby, the event was widely praised as a fitting start to the first World Cup hosted in Mexico in 40 years.

Sources:
World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira, dancing, and protests (BBC)
What happened, and who performed at the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony? (Al Jazeera)
Global superstar Shakira performs during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Fifa World Cup at the Azteca Stadium. Photo: dpa (SCMP)

Knicks complete historic 29-point comeback in NBA Finals Game 4

Knicks complete historic 29-point comeback in NBA Finals Game 4The New York Knicks erased a 29-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. Victor Wembanyama missed two crucial free throws in the final seconds, sealing the Spurs' collapse. One play dubbed the 'Right hand from God' in the final 4.5 seconds has already entered Knicks lore. The comeback is the largest in NBA Finals history.

Sources:
Knicks complete record rally from 29 points down and beat Spurs 107-106 for 3-1 NBA Finals lead (AP News)
‘Right hand from God': One play, 4.5 seconds and a place in Knicks lore (AP News)
Knicks win in Game 4, as Wemby misses 2 late free throws (China Daily)
Knicks fans target Victor Wembanyama with jeers, thrown egg after Game 4 (The Guardian)