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Former Manchester United teammates Gary Neville and Roy Keane needed just 45 minutes to spark their first on-air disagreement of the World Cup 2026, setting the tone for a lively tournament in the ITV studio.

Mexico’s Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the World Cup 2026, taking advantage of a misplaced touch from South Africa midfielder Yaya Sithole — or what some saw as a poor decision by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, depending on the interpretation.

The debate quickly intensified inside ITV’s loft-style studio in New York, where Neville expressed frustration at Keane and former England striker Ian Wright for their differing opinions on who was at fault for the goal.

Williams had attempted a straight pass into the feet of Sithole, who was immediately caught out by Mexico’s pressing game. Quinones capitalised swiftly, slotting the ball through Williams’ legs to give Mexico a 1-0 lead.

When the panel returned after the commercial break at half-time, with Mexico still leading 1-0, presenter Mark Pougatch teased the audience by saying, “We’re going to have a debate. I might just watch the boats out there,” glancing towards the East River.

Keane was the first to give his verdict. “For me, it’s the goalkeeper’s fault — 100% on the goalkeeper,” he said firmly. “Yes, the midfielder is showing for the ball, but he’s too straight. The goalkeeper has better options.”

He continued, “It’s a bad touch, sure, but you’re nine minutes into the game. You know Mexico are going to press high. The goalkeeper could have gone left, right, or even long. That pass was too direct, and when you lose the ball there, you’ll be punished.”

Neville, however, disagreed, insisting Sithole should have handled the situation better. “I think that’s the simplest thing in football for a midfielder — take a touch and play it out to the right centre-back,” Neville argued. “We see that every week. I can’t keep saying ‘just hit it long’ in 2026; players don’t do that anymore. For me, it’s just a terrible touch from the midfielder.”

The discussion continued with Pougatch occasionally steering the conversation. Ian Wright sided with Keane, arguing that the problem was more about risk management early in a World Cup match than tactics. “He’s taking a big risk playing that pass there. If his touch goes wrong, this is exactly what happens, Gary,” Wright said.

Neville countered by noting, “There are 48 teams and 48 coaches in this tournament, and most will want their teams to play that pass, recycle it back to the goalkeeper, or move it out to the right centre-back.” Keane, however, cut in sharply, “No, Gary, they won’t.”

Wrapping up the spirited exchange, Pougatch joked, “We’ve got six more weeks of this. Don’t go too early.”

What did you think of Mexico’s first goal of World Cup 2026? Are you siding with Keane and Wright or with Neville? Share your thoughts below.

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