Every dream has its day. After years of preparation, hard work, and anticipation, Estadio Guadalajara opened its doors to the world on Thursday for its first FIFA World Cup 2026™ match. The wait was finally over, and the iconic venue came alive like never before during a day that will forever be etched in the city's collective memory.

From early in the morning, FIFA World Cup™ fever took over the Pearl of the West. Streets, plazas, and shopping centers filled with fans proudly wearing the colors of Korea Republic and Czechia, while thousands of Mexico National Team jerseys served as a reminder of where this global celebration is taking place.

Although the day began with cool temperatures following a light overnight rain, the skies gradually cleared and the sun eventually embraced the area surrounding the stadium. It was the perfect weather for a historic occasion, accompanying the thousands of fans who arrived with one goal in mind: to enjoy another memorable FIFA World Cup™ chapter in our city.

The Fan Zone became the gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The festivities began there with music, great food, and fans from different countries coming together, united by their shared passion for football.

Once inside, Estadio Guadalajara turned into a sea of color. The red of Korea, the white of Czechia, and the green of Mexico blended throughout the stands to create an unforgettable scene worthy of the world's biggest football tournament.

Special recognition goes to the Korean supporters, who never stopped cheering on the Red Devils. Long before kickoff and all the way through the final whistle, their chants, drums, and contagious energy echoed throughout every corner of the stadium.

Mexican music also had its moment at The Most Mexican Host City. During the first-half hydration break, a mariachi band performed the traditional Cielito Lindo, prompting thousands of voices to join in a single chorus that sent chills through the crowd and showcased one of the most authentic expressions of Mexican culture to the world.

The first goal celebration at Estadio Guadalajara belonged to Ladislav Krejci, who headed home a corner kick in the 59th minute to give Czechia the lead. Korea Republic, however, responded to the energy of its supporters and found the equalizer in the 67th minute, when Hwang In-beom rounded the goalkeeper inside the box before calmly finishing to level the match.

The closing stages were packed with drama. Just when it seemed the match would end in a draw, Korea found the winning goal in the 80th minute. In-beom delivered a cutback into the six-yard box, where Oh Hyeon-gyu arrived to slot the ball into the net and secure a 2-1 victory, sending the thousands of Korean fans in attendance into celebration.

Beyond the result, the true winner of the night was Guadalajara itself. Estadio Guadalajara exceeded international expectations and showed the world a world-class venue that fulfilled the promise for which it was built: bringing the FIFA World Cup™ back to the Pearl of the West.