MEXICO CITY, Mexico (AFP) — The World Cup kicked off on Thursday as co-hosts Mexico took an early lead against South Africa in front of 80,000 fans in the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Julian Quinones scored in the ninth minute of the opening game, confirming Mexico's early dominance in a stadium that hosted the 1970 and 1986 finals. The kickoff launched a sprawling tournament of 48 teams that will last nearly six weeks.