Deadspin | Anthony Kim’s comeback complete with stunning LIV Golf win at Adelaide

Deadspin | Anthony Kim’s comeback complete with stunning LIV Golf win at Adelaide

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Jan 11, 2026; Lecanto, Florida, United States; Anthony Kim reacts to his third place in the LIV Golf Black Diamond Ranch golf tournament at Black Diamond Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-Imagn Images

Anthony Kim added a stunning-yet-true chapter to his storybook return to professional golf by winning LIV Golf Adelaide on Sunday.

The 40-year-old American came from five strokes back after three rounds with an emphatic three-shot victory after his bogey-free round of 9-under 63 at The Grange Golf Club.

“I really don’t know what to say right now,” said Kim, who has been open and honest about his past struggles and how he got sober. “It’s been overwhelming. I’m never not going to fight for my family. God gave me a talent and I was able to produce some good golf today. I knew it was coming. Nobody else has to believe in me but me. For anybody who’s struggling, you can get through anything.”

The build-up to Sunday focused on Jon Rahm of Spain and American Bryson DeChambeau, co-leaders at 19 under after three rounds and arguably LIV Golf’s biggest stars. Kim, at 14 under, was somewhere out of the frame even though he was in third place.

The current stars were basically left in his dust, as Kim carded birdies at Nos. 4, 5, 7 and 9, then a run from Nos. 12-15 and on the par-4 No. 17 as an exclamation point to his first professional win in nearly 16 years since the 2010 Shell Houston Open on the PGA Tour.

Rahm shot 1-under 71 for finish three strokes back at 20 under for his second consecutive second-place finish. His unremarkable round featured birdies at Nos. 4 and 16 — both par-4 holes — and a bogey at the par-4 No. 8.

DeChambeau posted a 2-over 74 to fall to a tie for third with England’s Tyrrell Hatton (67 on Sunday) and Peter Uihlein (68) of the United States.

DeChambeau encountered trouble on the front nine with bogeys at Nos. 2, 3, 6 and 7. He birdied the first two holes of the back nine and made par on the rest.

Kim’s bogey-free effort — which tied the course record — followed rounds of 67, 67 and 68 with a total of three bogeys and one eagle in the third round at the par-5 No. 9. He also collected the $4 million prize for first place.

His tournament performance is all the more impressive because of his journey to be in this position, which was his first start as a member of 4Aces GC.

Kim joined Dustin Johnson’s LIV Golf team before the second event of the 2026 season, replacing Patrick Reed on a full-time basis.

The one-time rising star, who turned pro in 2006, returned from a 12-year hiatus in 2024 and played the past two seasons on this tour as a wild card. However, he was relegated after the 2025 season and had to go through the Promotions event, where he made the cut on the number before finishing third to regain his place in the league.

But it wasn’t until Reed announced his intention to return to the PGA Tour that a spot on a team finally opened up for Kim. It wasn’t an automatic yes for Kim, who said he was drawn to the 4Aces because he likes Johnson and fellow new teammates Thomas Pieters and LIV newcomer Thomas Detry.

A three-time winner across six seasons on the PGA Tour in his 20s, Kim had Achilles tendon surgery in 2012 and has been open about his rehab from drug and alcohol addiction during his hiatus from professional golf.

Kim failed to finish better than 36th and placed 50th or worse in five of 11 LIV Golf events in 2024. He played in 13 events last year, with a T25 in Dallas and a T29 in Miami his only finishes better than T44.

Kim wound up in the relegation zone, and it appeared his LIV Golf days could be numbered. But he rebounded to earn a wild-card spot in the Promotions event and then was signed to 4Aces after opening the season with a T22 in Riyadh last week.

In addition to his T22 last week, Kim closed out 2025 with a T5 at the PIF Saudi International. He has risen from 4,221st in the Official World Golf Ranking two years ago to No. 847, and that climb can continue with LIV players now receiving world rankings points for top-10 finishes. The win Sunday will boost Kim that much more up the rankings.

Ripper GC claimed the team title at 55 under after a 15 under on Sunday. Lucas Herbert (69) tied for third individually at 16 under and team captain Cameron Smith (70) tied for eighth.

Rahm’s Legion XIII placed second at 53 under after 8 under on the day, and 4Aces GC, boosted by Kim’s winning effort, finished third at 52 under.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Juan Soto works to turn corner as Mets open set vs. Braves Jun 11, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) celebrates his solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals with teammates in the dugout during the seventh inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images The first few months of the season had been good to Juan Soto. Then June arrived, and his statistics took a hit. Through nine games this month, Soto is averaging .147 at the plate, with a .237 on-base percentage and a .265 slugging percentage. But after he came up clutch in the Mets’ 5-4 win against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, the hope is that it can spur both him and the team as they open a three-game series at home against the National League East-leading Atlanta Braves on Friday night. Soto doubled in the fifth inning and scored to tie the game at 4 on Jared Young’s single. Soto delivered the go-ahead run in the seventh with a solo home run. “That’s what we play for, that’s what we grind for — to get the tough situations and come through,” Soto said. “Sometimes, it gets a little harder, but that’s what we work for and that’s what we focus (on) — try to do damage every time.” Before Thursday’s contest, Soto was just 3-for-30 over his previous eight games. Getting his bat going is crucial for a Mets offense that has struggled to produce, especially with Francisco Lindor still sidelined because of a calf strain. “There’s a sense of urgency from him all the time,” New York manager Carlos Mendoza said of Soto, who is batting .277 for the season, with 14 homers and 31 RBIs. “He wants to win. And he cares, obviously. But I wouldn’t call it pressure. This guy wants to be the biggest at-bat. He wants to be the guy.” The Mets, who sit last in the NL East, are trying to get back into the mix. Right-hander Nolan McLean (3-4, 3.98 ERA) will face the Braves for the second time in his career. He won his first career start against them last season, with two runs allowed on four hits in seven innings of a 12-7 victory. The Braves, meanwhile, arrive in New York looking to get back on track after dropping the first two contests of a three-game set against the White Sox in Chicago. The series finale was scheduled for Thursday but was postponed until August because of rain. Defeats have been few for Atlanta this season. The team has dropped consecutive games only four times and have lost three in a row just once (April 4-6). In a 2-1 loss to the White Sox on Wednesday, the Braves were just 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base. “We had opportunities,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “I think we hit some balls hard, but bottom line is we left 10 guys on base and didn’t get the big hit, so it’s tough to win scoring one.” Offensive struggles have been rare for a Braves squad that is third in the majors with 92 home runs and 341 RBIs, and fourth with 593 hits. Right-hander Spencer Strider (4-1, 4.00 ERA) will start for Atlanta on Friday. He bounced back from his lone loss by allowing three runs on five hits in five innings of a 6-3 win vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates last Saturday. Strider is 6-2 with a 6.11 ERA in 11 career appearances (nine starts) against the Mets. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Juan #Soto #works #turn #corner #Mets #open #set #BravesJun 11, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) celebrates his solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals with teammates in the dugout during the seventh inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The first few months of the season had been good to Juan Soto.

Then June arrived, and his statistics took a hit. Through nine games this month, Soto is averaging .147 at the plate, with a .237 on-base percentage and a .265 slugging percentage.

But after he came up clutch in the Mets’ 5-4 win against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, the hope is that it can spur both him and the team as they open a three-game series at home against the National League East-leading Atlanta Braves on Friday night.

Soto doubled in the fifth inning and scored to tie the game at 4 on Jared Young’s single. Soto delivered the go-ahead run in the seventh with a solo home run.

“That’s what we play for, that’s what we grind for — to get the tough situations and come through,” Soto said. “Sometimes, it gets a little harder, but that’s what we work for and that’s what we focus (on) — try to do damage every time.”

Before Thursday’s contest, Soto was just 3-for-30 over his previous eight games.

Getting his bat going is crucial for a Mets offense that has struggled to produce, especially with Francisco Lindor still sidelined because of a calf strain.

“There’s a sense of urgency from him all the time,” New York manager Carlos Mendoza said of Soto, who is batting .277 for the season, with 14 homers and 31 RBIs. “He wants to win. And he cares, obviously. But I wouldn’t call it pressure. This guy wants to be the biggest at-bat. He wants to be the guy.”


The Mets, who sit last in the NL East, are trying to get back into the mix.

Right-hander Nolan McLean (3-4, 3.98 ERA) will face the Braves for the second time in his career. He won his first career start against them last season, with two runs allowed on four hits in seven innings of a 12-7 victory.

The Braves, meanwhile, arrive in New York looking to get back on track after dropping the first two contests of a three-game set against the White Sox in Chicago. The series finale was scheduled for Thursday but was postponed until August because of rain.

Defeats have been few for Atlanta this season. The team has dropped consecutive games only four times and have lost three in a row just once (April 4-6).

In a 2-1 loss to the White Sox on Wednesday, the Braves were just 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base.

“We had opportunities,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “I think we hit some balls hard, but bottom line is we left 10 guys on base and didn’t get the big hit, so it’s tough to win scoring one.”

Offensive struggles have been rare for a Braves squad that is third in the majors with 92 home runs and 341 RBIs, and fourth with 593 hits.

Right-hander Spencer Strider (4-1, 4.00 ERA) will start for Atlanta on Friday. He bounced back from his lone loss by allowing three runs on five hits in five innings of a 6-3 win vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates last Saturday.

Strider is 6-2 with a 6.11 ERA in 11 career appearances (nine starts) against the Mets.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Juan #Soto #works #turn #corner #Mets #open #set #Braves">Deadspin | Juan Soto works to turn corner as Mets open set vs. Braves Jun 11, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) celebrates his solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals with teammates in the dugout during the seventh inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images The first few months of the season had been good to Juan Soto. Then June arrived, and his statistics took a hit. Through nine games this month, Soto is averaging .147 at the plate, with a .237 on-base percentage and a .265 slugging percentage. But after he came up clutch in the Mets’ 5-4 win against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, the hope is that it can spur both him and the team as they open a three-game series at home against the National League East-leading Atlanta Braves on Friday night. Soto doubled in the fifth inning and scored to tie the game at 4 on Jared Young’s single. Soto delivered the go-ahead run in the seventh with a solo home run. “That’s what we play for, that’s what we grind for — to get the tough situations and come through,” Soto said. “Sometimes, it gets a little harder, but that’s what we work for and that’s what we focus (on) — try to do damage every time.” Before Thursday’s contest, Soto was just 3-for-30 over his previous eight games. Getting his bat going is crucial for a Mets offense that has struggled to produce, especially with Francisco Lindor still sidelined because of a calf strain. “There’s a sense of urgency from him all the time,” New York manager Carlos Mendoza said of Soto, who is batting .277 for the season, with 14 homers and 31 RBIs. “He wants to win. And he cares, obviously. But I wouldn’t call it pressure. This guy wants to be the biggest at-bat. He wants to be the guy.” The Mets, who sit last in the NL East, are trying to get back into the mix. Right-hander Nolan McLean (3-4, 3.98 ERA) will face the Braves for the second time in his career. He won his first career start against them last season, with two runs allowed on four hits in seven innings of a 12-7 victory. The Braves, meanwhile, arrive in New York looking to get back on track after dropping the first two contests of a three-game set against the White Sox in Chicago. The series finale was scheduled for Thursday but was postponed until August because of rain. Defeats have been few for Atlanta this season. The team has dropped consecutive games only four times and have lost three in a row just once (April 4-6). In a 2-1 loss to the White Sox on Wednesday, the Braves were just 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base. “We had opportunities,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “I think we hit some balls hard, but bottom line is we left 10 guys on base and didn’t get the big hit, so it’s tough to win scoring one.” Offensive struggles have been rare for a Braves squad that is third in the majors with 92 home runs and 341 RBIs, and fourth with 593 hits. Right-hander Spencer Strider (4-1, 4.00 ERA) will start for Atlanta on Friday. He bounced back from his lone loss by allowing three runs on five hits in five innings of a 6-3 win vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates last Saturday. Strider is 6-2 with a 6.11 ERA in 11 career appearances (nine starts) against the Mets. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Juan #Soto #works #turn #corner #Mets #open #set #Braves

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway and we had five goals scored on the first day of action across two games. The first game on offer saw host nation Mexico dispatch South Africa 2-0. Even though El Tri’s goals were historic for different reasons, there ended up being more red cards (three) than goals. If you had that on your bingo card for the opener, congratulations.

In the late game, South Korea pulled off a comeback victory over Czechia in the second half after a strong display that could fuel a magical run in the competition. Hwang In-Beom and substitute Oh Hyun-Gyu both scored in a 13-minute span to secure all three points.

Check out all the goals, red cards and more from the opening day of action.

Julián Quiñones becomes first Concacaf player to score opening World Cup goal

Mexico opened the tournament in front of the El Tri faithful at the Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium) looking to break their opening match curse. Some sloppy play out of the back by South Africa saw Sphephelo Sithole barged off the ball in a dangerous area. As soon as Quiñones gathered it, a goal felt inevitable. The roar of the crowd truly signified the start of the tournament.

From bad to worse for Sithole…

An opening day South Africa is going to want to forget fast. The midfielder committed a DOGSO offense, or denial of a goalscoring opportunity, just on the edge of the box and he was shown his marching orders. The only silver lining, if there was to be one, was that it wasn’t a penalty.

Raul Jiménez has his moment!

Raul Jiménez is very much Mexico’s talisman up top. The 35-year-old rose to prominence during his time in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham. Though, a head injury in the 2020-21 season threatened to end his career early. For everything he’s gone through to rebuild himself over the years, you could tell by his celebration and the noise emanating from those in attendance how much his first World Cup goal meant to him. What a moment.

If Mexico is to go deep in the tournament, they’ll need their striker firing on all cylinders.

Themba Zwade put South Africa in an even deeper hole late in the second half after being shown a red card for violent conduct. From worse to… catastrophic?

César Montes gets in on the action… the wrong kind!

It would’ve been the immaculate opening to the World Cup for Mexico having won their first opening match of the tournament in their team’s history if not for César Montes’s red card in second half stoppage time. Ruled a denial of a goalscoring opportunity, it’s more than an unforced error given they were up two goals against nine men with less than six minutes to play in the game.

Montes, Sithole and Zwade are all suspended for their next respective games in the tournament.

Czechia-rsenal? Set piece goals have arrived

South Korea vs. Czechia was a fascinating display. Hong Myung-Bo’s team tried to establish their possession-based system, playing through the lines early while relying on stars Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min to provide the decisive moment. For all the dangerous chances they created early, however, it was Czechia who broke the deadlock in the second half.

A long throw set piece saw defender Ladislav Krejcí rise highest in the box, blasting a header into the back of the net. There were question marks of offside with a player standing in front of the goalkeeper, but the goal was given.

Set piece again, ole ole! Or… set piece for the first time this summer, ole ole? Arsenal coach Nicolas Jover must be licking his lips.

The South Korean response

Hwang In-Beom wasted little time getting his country back in the game. The Feyenoord midfielder made a dangerous run in-behind Czechia’s backline, deftly chopped the ball onto his right foot as he sent a defender for a souvenir before tucking the ball in at the far post. The goal of the day? Perhaps!

The substitute secures the points!

Oh Hyun-Gyu was the hero on the day scoring the game-winner off the bench in the 80th minute. A brilliant ball over the top found Hwang who doubled his goal contributions on the night with a deadly cross to find Oh. The entire action personified South Korea’s willingness to stick to their game plan and they were rewarded for it in the end. All three points puts the Koreans in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage.

While there weren’t any red cards in the second game, Son reminded fans around the world attending games to pay attention at all times. The LAFC superstar tried a rifled effort from outside the box that went over the bar and into the stands.

It looked like the fan tried to deflect the ball down, but it bounced up and hit them in the face. One, hope they’re okay and two, stay alert for any errant shots for the rest of the tournament please.

POLL! World Cup Goal of the Day – June 11

What was the best goal from the opening day of 2026 World Cup action?

Rec 0CommentsThin Stroke Comment Icon BubbleReply

Have your say in our poll to decide what the goal of the day was, as we cover every goal, goof and everything in between throughout the World Cup.

#Watch #World #Cup #goal #opening #day #action">Watch every World Cup goal from the opening day of action The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway and we had five goals scored on the first day of action across two games. The first game on offer saw host nation Mexico dispatch South Africa 2-0. Even though El Tri’s goals were historic for different reasons, there ended up being more red cards (three) than goals. If you had that on your bingo card for the opener, congratulations.In the late game, South Korea pulled off a comeback victory over Czechia in the second half after a strong display that could fuel a magical run in the competition. Hwang In-Beom and substitute Oh Hyun-Gyu both scored in a 13-minute span to secure all three points.Check out all the goals, red cards and more from the opening day of action.Julián Quiñones becomes first Concacaf player to score opening World Cup goalMexico opened the tournament in front of the El Tri faithful at the Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium) looking to break their opening match curse. Some sloppy play out of the back by South Africa saw Sphephelo Sithole barged off the ball in a dangerous area. As soon as Quiñones gathered it, a goal felt inevitable. The roar of the crowd truly signified the start of the tournament.From bad to worse for Sithole…An opening day South Africa is going to want to forget fast. The midfielder committed a DOGSO offense, or denial of a goalscoring opportunity, just on the edge of the box and he was shown his marching orders. The only silver lining, if there was to be one, was that it wasn’t a penalty.Raul Jiménez has his moment!Raul Jiménez is very much Mexico’s talisman up top. The 35-year-old rose to prominence during his time in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham. Though, a head injury in the 2020-21 season threatened to end his career early. For everything he’s gone through to rebuild himself over the years, you could tell by his celebration and the noise emanating from those in attendance how much his first World Cup goal meant to him. What a moment.If Mexico is to go deep in the tournament, they’ll need their striker firing on all cylinders.Themba Zwade put South Africa in an even deeper hole late in the second half after being shown a red card for violent conduct. From worse to… catastrophic?César Montes gets in on the action… the wrong kind!It would’ve been the immaculate opening to the World Cup for Mexico having won their first opening match of the tournament in their team’s history if not for César Montes’s red card in second half stoppage time. Ruled a denial of a goalscoring opportunity, it’s more than an unforced error given they were up two goals against nine men with less than six minutes to play in the game.Montes, Sithole and Zwade are all suspended for their next respective games in the tournament.Czechia-rsenal? Set piece goals have arrivedSouth Korea vs. Czechia was a fascinating display. Hong Myung-Bo’s team tried to establish their possession-based system, playing through the lines early while relying on stars Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min to provide the decisive moment. For all the dangerous chances they created early, however, it was Czechia who broke the deadlock in the second half.A long throw set piece saw defender Ladislav Krejcí rise highest in the box, blasting a header into the back of the net. There were question marks of offside with a player standing in front of the goalkeeper, but the goal was given.Set piece again, ole ole! Or… set piece for the first time this summer, ole ole? Arsenal coach Nicolas Jover must be licking his lips.The South Korean responseHwang In-Beom wasted little time getting his country back in the game. The Feyenoord midfielder made a dangerous run in-behind Czechia’s backline, deftly chopped the ball onto his right foot as he sent a defender for a souvenir before tucking the ball in at the far post. The goal of the day? Perhaps!The substitute secures the points!Oh Hyun-Gyu was the hero on the day scoring the game-winner off the bench in the 80th minute. A brilliant ball over the top found Hwang who doubled his goal contributions on the night with a deadly cross to find Oh. The entire action personified South Korea’s willingness to stick to their game plan and they were rewarded for it in the end. All three points puts the Koreans in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage.While there weren’t any red cards in the second game, Son reminded fans around the world attending games to pay attention at all times. The LAFC superstar tried a rifled effort from outside the box that went over the bar and into the stands.It looked like the fan tried to deflect the ball down, but it bounced up and hit them in the face. One, hope they’re okay and two, stay alert for any errant shots for the rest of the tournament please.POLL! World Cup Goal of the Day – June 11What was the best goal from the opening day of 2026 World Cup action?Closes in 3 days • 2 total votesView resultsJulian Quinones vs. RSARaul Jimenez vs. RSALadislav Krejci vs. KORHwang In-Beom vs. CZEOh Hyung-Gyu vs. CZERec 0CommentsThin Stroke Comment Icon BubbleReplyHave your say in our poll to decide what the goal of the day was, as we cover every goal, goof and everything in between throughout the World Cup. #Watch #World #Cup #goal #opening #day #action

DOGSO offense, or denial of a goalscoring opportunity, just on the edge of the box and he was shown his marching orders. The only silver lining, if there was to be one, was that it wasn’t a penalty.

Raul Jiménez has his moment!

Raul Jiménez is very much Mexico’s talisman up top. The 35-year-old rose to prominence during his time in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham. Though, a head injury in the 2020-21 season threatened to end his career early. For everything he’s gone through to rebuild himself over the years, you could tell by his celebration and the noise emanating from those in attendance how much his first World Cup goal meant to him. What a moment.

If Mexico is to go deep in the tournament, they’ll need their striker firing on all cylinders.

Themba Zwade put South Africa in an even deeper hole late in the second half after being shown a red card for violent conduct. From worse to… catastrophic?

César Montes gets in on the action… the wrong kind!

It would’ve been the immaculate opening to the World Cup for Mexico having won their first opening match of the tournament in their team’s history if not for César Montes’s red card in second half stoppage time. Ruled a denial of a goalscoring opportunity, it’s more than an unforced error given they were up two goals against nine men with less than six minutes to play in the game.

Montes, Sithole and Zwade are all suspended for their next respective games in the tournament.

Czechia-rsenal? Set piece goals have arrived

South Korea vs. Czechia was a fascinating display. Hong Myung-Bo’s team tried to establish their possession-based system, playing through the lines early while relying on stars Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min to provide the decisive moment. For all the dangerous chances they created early, however, it was Czechia who broke the deadlock in the second half.

A long throw set piece saw defender Ladislav Krejcí rise highest in the box, blasting a header into the back of the net. There were question marks of offside with a player standing in front of the goalkeeper, but the goal was given.

Set piece again, ole ole! Or… set piece for the first time this summer, ole ole? Arsenal coach Nicolas Jover must be licking his lips.

The South Korean response

Hwang In-Beom wasted little time getting his country back in the game. The Feyenoord midfielder made a dangerous run in-behind Czechia’s backline, deftly chopped the ball onto his right foot as he sent a defender for a souvenir before tucking the ball in at the far post. The goal of the day? Perhaps!

The substitute secures the points!

Oh Hyun-Gyu was the hero on the day scoring the game-winner off the bench in the 80th minute. A brilliant ball over the top found Hwang who doubled his goal contributions on the night with a deadly cross to find Oh. The entire action personified South Korea’s willingness to stick to their game plan and they were rewarded for it in the end. All three points puts the Koreans in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage.

While there weren’t any red cards in the second game, Son reminded fans around the world attending games to pay attention at all times. The LAFC superstar tried a rifled effort from outside the box that went over the bar and into the stands.

It looked like the fan tried to deflect the ball down, but it bounced up and hit them in the face. One, hope they’re okay and two, stay alert for any errant shots for the rest of the tournament please.

POLL! World Cup Goal of the Day – June 11

What was the best goal from the opening day of 2026 World Cup action?

Rec 0CommentsThin Stroke Comment Icon BubbleReply

Have your say in our poll to decide what the goal of the day was, as we cover every goal, goof and everything in between throughout the World Cup.

#Watch #World #Cup #goal #opening #day #action">Watch every World Cup goal from the opening day of action

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway and we had five goals scored on the first day of action across two games. The first game on offer saw host nation Mexico dispatch South Africa 2-0. Even though El Tri’s goals were historic for different reasons, there ended up being more red cards (three) than goals. If you had that on your bingo card for the opener, congratulations.

In the late game, South Korea pulled off a comeback victory over Czechia in the second half after a strong display that could fuel a magical run in the competition. Hwang In-Beom and substitute Oh Hyun-Gyu both scored in a 13-minute span to secure all three points.

Check out all the goals, red cards and more from the opening day of action.

Julián Quiñones becomes first Concacaf player to score opening World Cup goal

Mexico opened the tournament in front of the El Tri faithful at the Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium) looking to break their opening match curse. Some sloppy play out of the back by South Africa saw Sphephelo Sithole barged off the ball in a dangerous area. As soon as Quiñones gathered it, a goal felt inevitable. The roar of the crowd truly signified the start of the tournament.

From bad to worse for Sithole…

An opening day South Africa is going to want to forget fast. The midfielder committed a DOGSO offense, or denial of a goalscoring opportunity, just on the edge of the box and he was shown his marching orders. The only silver lining, if there was to be one, was that it wasn’t a penalty.

Raul Jiménez has his moment!

Raul Jiménez is very much Mexico’s talisman up top. The 35-year-old rose to prominence during his time in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham. Though, a head injury in the 2020-21 season threatened to end his career early. For everything he’s gone through to rebuild himself over the years, you could tell by his celebration and the noise emanating from those in attendance how much his first World Cup goal meant to him. What a moment.

If Mexico is to go deep in the tournament, they’ll need their striker firing on all cylinders.

Themba Zwade put South Africa in an even deeper hole late in the second half after being shown a red card for violent conduct. From worse to… catastrophic?

César Montes gets in on the action… the wrong kind!

It would’ve been the immaculate opening to the World Cup for Mexico having won their first opening match of the tournament in their team’s history if not for César Montes’s red card in second half stoppage time. Ruled a denial of a goalscoring opportunity, it’s more than an unforced error given they were up two goals against nine men with less than six minutes to play in the game.

Montes, Sithole and Zwade are all suspended for their next respective games in the tournament.

Czechia-rsenal? Set piece goals have arrived

South Korea vs. Czechia was a fascinating display. Hong Myung-Bo’s team tried to establish their possession-based system, playing through the lines early while relying on stars Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min to provide the decisive moment. For all the dangerous chances they created early, however, it was Czechia who broke the deadlock in the second half.

A long throw set piece saw defender Ladislav Krejcí rise highest in the box, blasting a header into the back of the net. There were question marks of offside with a player standing in front of the goalkeeper, but the goal was given.

Set piece again, ole ole! Or… set piece for the first time this summer, ole ole? Arsenal coach Nicolas Jover must be licking his lips.

The South Korean response

Hwang In-Beom wasted little time getting his country back in the game. The Feyenoord midfielder made a dangerous run in-behind Czechia’s backline, deftly chopped the ball onto his right foot as he sent a defender for a souvenir before tucking the ball in at the far post. The goal of the day? Perhaps!

The substitute secures the points!

Oh Hyun-Gyu was the hero on the day scoring the game-winner off the bench in the 80th minute. A brilliant ball over the top found Hwang who doubled his goal contributions on the night with a deadly cross to find Oh. The entire action personified South Korea’s willingness to stick to their game plan and they were rewarded for it in the end. All three points puts the Koreans in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage.

While there weren’t any red cards in the second game, Son reminded fans around the world attending games to pay attention at all times. The LAFC superstar tried a rifled effort from outside the box that went over the bar and into the stands.

It looked like the fan tried to deflect the ball down, but it bounced up and hit them in the face. One, hope they’re okay and two, stay alert for any errant shots for the rest of the tournament please.

POLL! World Cup Goal of the Day – June 11

What was the best goal from the opening day of 2026 World Cup action?

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Have your say in our poll to decide what the goal of the day was, as we cover every goal, goof and everything in between throughout the World Cup.

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Former Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter Avinash Vaidya has been appointed as the Indian team manager for the upcoming T20I series tour to Ireland and England.

India will play two T20Is against Ireland on June 26 and 28 at Belfast, followed by five matches against England between July 1 and 11.

Vaidya is a vastly experienced administrator, having worked with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings in the past in the IPL.

ALSO READ: Sooryavanshi seeks substance to match the sparkle

The 59-year-old is a member of the current Managing Committee of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), led by Venkatesh Prasad.

During his playing days, Vaidya, besides Karnataka, appeared for India-A, Board President’s XI and South Zone in various competitions.

He was also a member of the Karnataka side that won multiple Ranji Trophy titles in the 90s.

Published on Jun 12, 2026

#Karnataka #player #Avinash #Vaidya #appointed #India #team #manager #Ireland #England #tours">Former Karnataka player Avinash Vaidya appointed as India team manager for Ireland, England tours Former Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter Avinash Vaidya has been appointed as the Indian team manager for the upcoming T20I series tour to Ireland and England.India will play two T20Is against Ireland on June 26 and 28 at Belfast, followed by five matches against England between July 1 and 11.Vaidya is a vastly experienced administrator, having worked with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings in the past in the IPL.ALSO READ: Sooryavanshi seeks substance to match the sparkleThe 59-year-old is a member of the current Managing Committee of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), led by Venkatesh Prasad.During his playing days, Vaidya, besides Karnataka, appeared for India-A, Board President’s XI and South Zone in various competitions.He was also a member of the Karnataka side that won multiple Ranji Trophy titles in the 90s.Published on Jun 12, 2026 #Karnataka #player #Avinash #Vaidya #appointed #India #team #manager #Ireland #England #tours

Sooryavanshi seeks substance to match the sparkle

The 59-year-old is a member of the current Managing Committee of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), led by Venkatesh Prasad.

During his playing days, Vaidya, besides Karnataka, appeared for India-A, Board President’s XI and South Zone in various competitions.

He was also a member of the Karnataka side that won multiple Ranji Trophy titles in the 90s.

Published on Jun 12, 2026

#Karnataka #player #Avinash #Vaidya #appointed #India #team #manager #Ireland #England #tours">Former Karnataka player Avinash Vaidya appointed as India team manager for Ireland, England tours

Former Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter Avinash Vaidya has been appointed as the Indian team manager for the upcoming T20I series tour to Ireland and England.

India will play two T20Is against Ireland on June 26 and 28 at Belfast, followed by five matches against England between July 1 and 11.

Vaidya is a vastly experienced administrator, having worked with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings in the past in the IPL.

ALSO READ: Sooryavanshi seeks substance to match the sparkle

The 59-year-old is a member of the current Managing Committee of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), led by Venkatesh Prasad.

During his playing days, Vaidya, besides Karnataka, appeared for India-A, Board President’s XI and South Zone in various competitions.

He was also a member of the Karnataka side that won multiple Ranji Trophy titles in the 90s.

Published on Jun 12, 2026

#Karnataka #player #Avinash #Vaidya #appointed #India #team #manager #Ireland #England #tours

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