Mexico City Hosts 2026 World Cup Opener; Protests Disrupt Outside Azteca Stadium
The 2026 World Cup commenced in Mexico City with an opening ceremony at the Azteca Stadium, featuring performances from global music artist Shakira and other acts. Thousands of spectators filled the stadium, marking Mexico’s first World Cup on home soil in forty years.
Outside the venue, security forces confronted radical protesters attempting to disrupt the event. These sporadic violent clashes led to the temporary closure of nearby metro stations. Mexican officials reported that approximately 200 hooded individuals from larger protest groups engaged with law enforcement before the situation was brought under control.
Meanwhile, separate demonstrations by teachers and families of individuals missing due to Mexico’s drug war also took place, utilising the global spotlight on the country to highlight their causes.
Mexico’s national team secured a 2-0 victory against South Africa in their opening match, with widespread celebrations among fans inside the stadium. Javier Pérez, attending with his family, described the event as a “unique experience” despite the external disruptions.
Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 tournament alongside the United States and Canada, with subsequent opening ceremonies scheduled in those countries. The ceremonies featured an array of global and local artists, including Colombia's J Balvin, Afrobeats star Burna Boy, and Mexican singer-songwriter Fher Olvera, before the tournament's official anthem, 'DNA', was performed by Andrea Bocelli and K-Pop singer Ejae.
